The USA Men squared up against Australia XV again this evening in New Jersey, dropping the second of a two-match series that has served as a ramp up series to Nations Cup and continued building block
Head Coach Scott Lawrence fielded a mix of new names for this non test match friendly, scoping out more talent currently in the extended player pool, all looking to put their hand up for next year’s Rugby World Cup. The Australian attack kept their clinical form in week two of the series, turning over possession and finding gaps in the USA defense. Ultimately the USA were able to create a few opportunities, but struggled to capitalize and convert into points.
Lawrence said on the process of developing an attack “We need to be patient. When we started playing through and not around in the second half, our game drivers need to stay in it and keep moving forward. Not get too excited and try to pull the trigger when it’s not on. I think our forwards played well to move the ball forward, but we’ve got to hold on to the ball in those opportunities.”
The game script started with a rally of tries from the Wallaby A side, notching 26 points in the first 20 minutes. Despite a tough start, the USA sustained defensive pressure during a few short periods. However the squad struggled to convert their scoring opportunities where attacking continuity remained a challenge. Connor Mooneyham looked to have points on the board in the first half, battling through tackles on the corner and reaching for the tryline. TMO would find that Mooneyham lost grip of the ball just before grounding and it was called no try.
Both teams head to the sheds at halftime with Australia up 33-0.
The second half played out a bit more of the same, where the USA were chasing the Australians on defense, but were able to flip the field a few times on the lineout in opposing territory. Looking aside from results, and the ethos of this pre Nations Cup tour, the Australian style of play was a repeat opportunity for the USA to front up against a fast and open style of play. That caliber of rugby will show up on the opposing end next year against Rugby World Cup pool opponents, so the game review from this series will be the best takeaway. By final whistle the United States go scoreless, losing 52-0.
When asked how the squad can grow to be more competitive against this style of opposition, Lawrence added: “This team is building depth. We play these types of games, and we learn how these types of mistakes impact the game. We’re seeing first-hand how consistency needs to be higher for longer periods of play.”
Looking ahead to next week and Nations Cup, Lawrence noted the extensive defensive workload from this match will serve as ideal preparation for Hong Kong, an opponent known for its high rate of phases and pass heavy style of play.
The USA will now head right from New Jersey to France for the start of their fall Nations Cup campaign. With a good mix of opposition against Hong Kong, Romania and Georgia, the Men’s Eagles are in a good spot to earn more quality match minutes exactly one year out from returning to the Rugby World Cup.
