The USA Men\u2019s Eagles clinched a 29-22 victory over Spain in Cary, North Carolina to close out the first wave of Nations Cup matches undefeated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Eagles went 3 for 3 in their opening campaign setting the foundation that will launch them into the upcoming World Cup 2027 cycle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
USA opened with a breakaway from Dom Besag to kick off the momentum, shifting wide to Mitch Wilson who pirouetted over the line to set down and post the first points on the board. Spain responded, leveling 7 all, but with a scrum off the 5 meter line, the USA picked to put Paddy Ryan into space and launch over for the Eagles second try.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A Spanish lineout in the 22 set up the Lions to run in their second on the outside, but kicking wide, the USA held on to a 14-12 advantage. Clinical hands to Julian Roberts on the edge allowed the USA\u2019s third and brought the Eagles ahead 19-12 at half time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite USA restarting with strong go forward momentum, Spain intercepted a USA pass that leveled the sides again. A penalty against the USA for not releasing gave Spain a chance at the posts, and put Spain into the lead by 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But composure and a brilliant breakaway and fight through contact, put Perry Mayo in place to score under the posts and bring the USA up 26-22 with less than 15 minutes to go. With one more chance at goal, Luke Carty brought the Eagles up to 29 with just under 10 minutes to hold on. With imminent thunderstorms looming, and a close game in hand, the USA stayed composed to hold possession and clinch the win.<\/p>\n
Making his USA debut, Charlie Able came off the bench in the 45th minute to clinch his first win in the USA jersey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Head coach, Scott Lawrence commented;\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had probably three opportunities in our game to put it away, and those are big moments in test matches. We’re happy to get the win, of course we’re not going to give it back. But we definitely want to capitalize on those moments when we could get a two-score lead in the future and put more pressure on our opposition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to the long term Rugby World Cup 2027 target, he added;\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll go through our process of debriefing the game as a team. We’ve done it in the locker room, and we’ve got a few key tactical points, but this is not an endpoint. \u2029It’s a starting point. And we’ve got a lot of work to do- and we’ve got a tough Argentina team coming in four weeks’ time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next up, the USA Eagles disperse for two weeks before reentering a new camp in Florida as they prepare for an international friendly against Argentina XV in Fort Lauderdale on August 15th.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tickets for USA v Argentina XV on August 15th are available at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale are available at https:\/\/eagles.rugby\/tickets<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n