I’LL MAC U.S. PROUD

American talisman AJ will be trying his best NOT to sing Irish anthem tomorrow

DUBLIN AJ Macginty knows there is a real danger he could end up singing the wrong national anthem when the USA face Ireland at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey tomorrow.

Former Connacht out-half Macginty is now a key figure for the United States and the Eagles are biding for a first ever win in nine games against Ireland.

His path to international rugby was unorthodox, rising swiftly through the grades after moving to study in America having never been capped at any level by Ireland.

The former Blackrock College student saw many of his teammates progress to professional and international rugby, but he did it a different way. He qualified for the USA through the three-year residency rule

Playing in the World Cup was a dream come through and then just a few weeks later he was making his first start for Connacht in Krasnoyarsk in Siberia, taking over the No.10 shirt and steering Lam’s men to that unforgettable Pro12 final win over Leinster.

“It was just such a good year. Everything about that place just brings back such good memories,” recalled the 27-year old.

“Everything about it was class. Even after that, after that season when we won and we got back to Galway. We had a big night out together but then I was gone on the Monday afternoon, I had to get into camp up here. I didn’t even get proper goodbyes. I just briefly said goodbye to the lads. I only seen a few of them after that. It will good to see them again, playing on opposite sides.”

The 27-year old has now chalked up 10 appearances for the USA and will hope to lead the way in their two crunch upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Canada.

“I wondered would I ever play Ireland. I’m almost glad that didn’t happen [at the World Cup].

“This is a good time to be playing for Ireland but this is a good time to be playing for America.”

And the anthems? Any danger of singing the Irish one?

“It would be weird if I started singing it! Nah, obviously when I got this opportunity, got capped by America, I wondered would I ever play against Ireland.”

Former All Black John Mitchell is leaving as Eagles head coach to take charge of the Blue Bulls in South Africa and Macginty said they want to send him off on a high.

“John Mitchell is going to be a big loss but he has set benchmarks for us to aim towards. The stuff we are doing now is the elite of the elite, to my knowledge.

“It is all the work being done by New Zealand’s Super Rugby teams and they are dominating the game down there.

“We are looking to play a fastpaced game. Normally when it’s Ireland against America at the 50, 60 minute mark the USA drop off and Ireland take over. I don’t think you will see that this time.”