A dramatic second half fight back for the USA Eagles was in vain as Samoa opened their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with victory. Running out 21-16 winners was the ideal opening Samoa would have been looking for whilst the gallant loser tag will no doubt be banded about the US camp with a little disdain. Tries from Alesana Tuilagi and Ashee Tuala put Samoa into a strong half time lead of 21-3 but the fighting spirit of the Eagles brought about 13 unanswered points from the boot of fly half, AJ McGinty and a try from Titi Lamositele made for a nervous finish to the game.
Indeed it was coach Mike Tolkin’s opinion that the US had ‘spotted’ Samoa 21 points in the opening half of the game. When facing a side with the strength of Samoa there is no way that easy points can be given away. The USA will look back at this game and realise the importance of putting in a full 80 minute performance is needed to win Test matches. This game will potentially work as a catalyst for the US in their build up to the Rugby World Cup.
It is this build up process that the Pacific Nations Cup will be used for by all the sides competing as they are able to test themselves against future opponents. With the US facing both Samoa and their next opponents in the Pacific Nations Cup, Japan at the World Cup, it is vital that the second half performance can be replicated. They face Japan on 24th July who currently lead the standings after their 20-6 defeat of Canada early in the day prior the US match.
Despite the deflating feeling that comes with a narrow loss the US have numerous reasons for optimism heading into the Japan game. A stand out performance of the game was given by USA fly half and debutant AJ McGinty who not only led on the score sheet but helped to put the US on the front foot throughout the second half. The ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over and punish the indiscretions of the opposition is key to winning test matches. It looks as if the USA have found the man to do this from the tee in AJ McGinty. With a number of debutants in the side getting their first taste of international rugby the immediate future looks promising for the Eagles.
Captain, Chris Wyles has shown this season in the Aviva Premiership that he knows the way to the try line and will be hoping to reciprocate the success that he has had with Saracens on the international stage. This knowledge will be vital as the US build towards the Rugby World Cup and look to make strides in the world rankings. The Pacific Nations Cup is providing the perfect opportunity for these nations viewed as tier 2 to make a significant impact improvement in their test match rugby levels prior to the World Cup. With Japan up next for the US they need to build on that second half performance and implement it across the game. No doubt selectors will look to tinker with the combinations but what the US need is consistency and with the cobwebs blown out against Samoa things can only improve.
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