On this episode of the A&D Podcast, Dietrich is BACK—and just in time for the USA Eagles to face one of their biggest challenges of the year.

The Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) is here, and the Eagles open their campaign against Japan in Tokyo. With clubs around the world beginning their seasons, the USA enters the tournament with a growing list of unavailable players, leaving Scott Lawrence and the Eagles to rely on new faces and unproven talent in some critical positions.

Can these newcomers step up on the international stage?

Austin and Dietrich break down the USA Eagles roster, the biggest selection questions, and what this matchup against Japan could reveal about the future of American rugby. Japan are the favorites—but is an upset really as unlikely as everyone thinks? The guys debate whether the USA has enough firepower to pull off a historic result and continue a five-Test winning streak that has completely changed the conversation surrounding the Eagles.

And with the 2027 Rugby World Cup getting closer, this isn't just another Test match. Could the Pacific Nations Cup uncover the players who become essential pieces of the USA's World Cup roster? Or will Japan expose the same weaknesses that have held the Eagles back?

Is the USA ready to take the next step—or is the hype getting ahead of reality?

All of this and more on the latest episode of the A&D Podcast.

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