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Australia to face USA in Rugby World Cup warm-up

Michael Cheika's Australia will face the US on 5 September
Michael Cheika's Australia will face the US on 5 September

Australia will finish off their preparations for this year's Rugby World Cup with a brief tour of the United States, featuring a one-off test against the Americans in Chicago.
              
The Australian Rugby Union said the Test match would be played on 5 September at Chicago's Soldier Field, where the Eagles also hosted New Zealand's All Blacks a year ago.
              
"The lead up and match will be critical for our Rugby World Cup preparations," Australia coach Michael Cheika said in a statement.
              
"Although we haven't met on many occasions, there's a rich history between our two rugby nations, with the Eagles playing their first ever Test match against the Wallabies some 40 years ago.
              
"We know it will be a spirited encounter for that very reason."

North America is one of rugby's fastest growth regions. Playing numbers have been steadily increasing in recent years and are forecast to grow even quicker when rugby sevens is introduced to the Olympic programme in Rio next year.
              
Both Canada and the US have been awarded tournaments on next season's World Sevens series and have begun talks about a possible joint bid to stage the 15-a-side World Cup, in either 2023 or 2027.
              
"Rugby is spreading across the globe through the hard work of World Rugby and ambitious unions like USA Rugby," World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said.
              
"When the Wallabies take on the Eagles it will be another opportunity to show our wonderful game to thousands of potential new fans and players throughout North America and beyond."
              
Australia, the US and Canada have all qualified for this year's World Cup, taking place in England and Wales from 18 September to 31 October.
              
Australia's first match is against Fiji in Cardiff on 23 September, while the Americans start their campaign three days earlier against Samoa and Canada open against Ireland.

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