In a relentless test of resolve as they resumed the Nations Cup, the USA Men’s Eagles dug deep to clinch a comeback 28-26 victory over Hong Kong China.
The Eagles came from behind to take their fourth win of the Nations Cup thanks to a diving try from Kaleb Geiger in the final minutes to level and a slotted conversion off the boot of Chris Hilsenbeck to take the USA ahead.
Head Coach Scott Lawrence commented; “It was a frustrating game this evening having so many entries, but we just needed the patience to convert them."
"We'll take the feedback from today - on respecting the international game and being patient - on how we can convert our opportunities and be more consistent in our territory, pressure, and possession game.”
The USA restarted the Autumn window of the Nations Cup series in France at Bourg-en-Bresse’s Stade Marcel-Verchère with Oscar Lennon earning his first start in the USA Jersey at scrum-half.
wHong Kong China struck first putting the USA under pressure from the start sparking an immediate response from the Eagles sending Perry Mayo across the line with Hilsenbeck slotting the extras to level. The Eagles pack followed up again, after relentless forward phases, putting Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz over to put the Eagles into a lead.
Hong Kong China countered however, with new momentum sealing a try and leaving the Eagles trailing 14-17 at half time.
The second half turned into a physical arm-wrestle. Benjamin Bonasso ripped through the midfield to spark attacking momentum, and relentless American scrum and maul pressure paid off when the USA was awarded a penalty try due to repeated infringements bringing the Eagles up 21-20.
With frustrations from the Eagles discipline, Hong Kong China slotted two penalty goals, edging Hong Kong China ahead. But with just minutes left on the clock, the Eagles forward’s perseverance was rewarded after Geiger seeing the window after multiple phases, scooping the ball from the base of the ruck, to drive across the line for a clutch 75th-minute try and level 26-26.
Hilsenbeck sealed the conversion to retake the lead and the USA held their resolve for the remaining 2 and a half minutes despite Hong Kong China’s attempts to break through the USA defensive line before the Eagles turned over possession and kicked into touch to secure the win.
The Eagles immediately travel to Bucharest where they will manage a six day turnaround before taking on Romania next Saturday, November 14th at the Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf. The final round of the Nations Cup will take place in Georgia November 21st.
Result
USA v Hong Kong, China | (W) 28-26 Tries: Geiger, Penalty Try, Fa'anana-Schultz, Mayo Conv: Hilsenbeck (3)
Next Up
USA v Romania | Saturday, November 14 Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest | 11:30 am ET / 6:30 pm Local
USA v Georgia | Saturday, November 21 Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi | 9:00 am ET / 6:00 pm Local
USA fans can watch all the action on Paramount+.
