USA XV close out Argentian showdown with 25-24 victory

Going head to head throughout the match, the USA lit up the scoreboard first taking 3 points from the tee. Argentina XV responded quickly getting across the line for a try bringing them ahead 3-5, setting the scene for the match as both teams traded points leads with the USA XV eventually sealing the win.

After an intensive training camp in the Florida heat training through this match, Head Coach Scott Lawrence commented;

“We put a lot of hard work in during the last two weeks. We knew we were going to be tired going into this game, which was part of the process. But to hold on at the end and have a goal line stand to finish the game, physically shows how much buy in there is from the men right now and what we're trying to achieve.”

“Today was really about choosing toughness.
There were some hard moments, and you have to choose that. That last four minutes was choosing it. It was getting up off the ground. 
It was getting around the corner. It was launching into the tackle. Generally, we're seeing an improvement in the speed of play. We were pressure tested against a very good Argentina XV team, and we're happy to get a win with it.”

With players on eligibility and developmental pathways in play, Head Coach Scott Lawrence tested new players developing the depth of the squad as the team prep for the bigger Rugby World Cup 2027 goal.

“They came out and played with a lot of energy” Lawrence continued on the new faces featuring; “When you come into a game, you need to get your role right. There's some things we want to improve, as always, but generally, they were bought in, and that's all we can ask for.

An early Luke Carty kick from the tee, put the USA XV up by 3 before the Argentinians crossed the line first to take the lead 3-5.

Executing a clean lineout five meters out, the USA set up a powerful driving maul to drive over the line with Shilo Klein touching down, putting the Americans ahead 8-5. However, crisp passing and footwork allowed the Argentina side drew in the USA XV defense and opened up space for a second try, shifting the lead back to Argentina 10-8.

Swinging the ball wide from a midfield ruck, the USA pop passed through hands to get the ball out to Makeen Alikhan to dive across and bring the Americans up 15-10. The Argentines found an overlap out wide and ran a fast try down the side bringing them up to 15-17 just ahead of the half.

Down a man due to a yellow card just ahead of half time, the USA XV did well to defend until the Argentine side leveled the playing field in match day fashion with a card of their own. Kicking at goal, Luke Carty slotted 3 points in front of the posts to bring the USA up 18-17.

A high ball recycled quickly to Marno Redelinghuys running on with speed, put the back rower into space to dive across the line, converted to 25-17.

In line with the match cadence, Argentina countered with a try, converting to bring them within striking distance at 25-24 putting the USA XV under pressure to defend their territory as the Argentines took possession.

With players on eligibility and developmental pathways in play, Head Coach Scott Lawrence tested new faces, developing the depth of his squad as the team preps for the ultimate showdown of Rugby World Cup 2027.

The Eagles will have a reset period before they travel to Japan for a 2 match Tour. Both matches will be live on Paramount+