The USA Eagles team had a lot to play for on Saturday afternoon in Toronto; pride, a berth in the Rugby World Cup 2015, and bragging rights as the number one qualifier. However, to go into the second game of a two-game home and home already 18 points down, it was always going to be a big ask of the Eagles to outplay a blistering Canadian defense.
And the Eagles did mount a spirited attack, far superior to the outing last week in South Carolina. They played a far more aggressive game, dominating in the Canadian half, and putting great pressure on the Red Nation’s defense. That pressure though was absorbed well, in all the time the Eagles spent in the Canadian territory they only managed one try in the 15th minute. Takudzwa Ngwenya crossed the line for a beautifully executed try, while Chris Wyles once again had a stellar game with the boot.
Where Phil Mack stood out last week for the Canadian’s this week it was all about James Pritchard. Pritchard ran in a converted try of his own, and helped set up Jason Marshall’s second half try. Pritchard did however have something of a shocker in the conversion and penalty area, only completing one of his four attempts on goal.
The win for Canada secures a spot in the Rugby World Cup pool D, pitting them against Italy, Ireland, France and another European nation yet to qualify. You’ve got to wonder if this is in fact a win or not; the Irish and French teams are both going to be hard to beat, especially coming off their respective domestic and six nations series.
That said, I personally was encouraged to hear Graham Brown, CEO of Rugby Canada, talking about the growth of the sport, and how Rugby Canada wanted to see the sport develop further. This, I think, is the move USA Rugby is missing. Yes, there is the semi pro leagues currently played in USA, but there seems to be a general lack of grass root support from the ruling body. Rugby Canada is publicly talking about moves they intend to make to move the sport forward, infrastructure they are looking to implement, I’d suggest it will be a much stronger Canadian team that actually plays in England in 2015. I’d also suggest if Brown achieves his goals, you may not go awry slipping a sly bet on the men in red.
Keiran Crowley, head coach of the Canadian team, called the win “ugly”. Pritchard said he wanted more from the team, feeling that the immensity of playing on BMO field may have gotten to some of the team. US Head Coach Mike Tolkin described the game as one where the Eagles knew their backs were to the wall, and they had to show grit and determination to get across the line. I’d say Tolkin got his grit and determination, the Eagles played an amazing game, and I’d say the team should hold it’s heads high. Granted if Pritchard had been on his game with the boot the score line would be much greater than the 13-11 it was, but the US team showed real heart. Crowley’s assessment of the game as an ugly win I think is more than fair. The Canadian team didn’t look anywhere near as dominant as it did last week.
Of course, an ugly win is still a win, and that’s the bit that counts. Bottom line is that the Canadian’s took care of business, and they deserve their spot in the World Cup. USA will take a moment to lick its wounds before heading south of the border to take on Uruguay in a second attempt to qualify. The Eagles will get in somehow, they’re too strong not to. But are they going to beat the Canadians anytime soon? Not likely, eh?
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Main Photo Credit: Rugbydefined.com
