USA Rugby does the country proud

A second ever win in a Rugby World Cup almost came off for the USA Rugby team at its first Pool match played in Brisbane yesterday.

A last minute try by Kort Schubert that five eight Mike Hercus failed to convert from the sideline would have given the Eagles a one point win.

Instead a one point loss and still only one win in a Rugby World Cup in 1987 against Japan.

The USA side, ably lead by Dave Hodges, held the lead of 6-3 at half time and kept the flying Fijians at bay with some solid defense.

The first try of the match did not come until the first five minutes of the second half when Hercus placed a perfectly judged kick deep into Fijian territory for Rian Van Zyl to get a good bounce and score under the posts.

The conversion by Hercus gave the Eagles a 11-3 lead.

Possession throughout the game favored the Fijians with 59%, but the jarring and scrambling defense by the USA players forced turnovers at critical times and allowed the US to regain territory and the ball.

The Fijians hit back in the 52nd minute following a passing rush sparked by a good break from Marica Vunibaka the big second rower Api Vaelo dived over under the posts.

The kick by Nicky Little was an easy one and Fiji moved to 10-13.

A Little penalty goal in the 57th minute made the scores level and two more Little penalties gave the Fiji its winning score.

Poor ball retention by both sides marred an otherwise entertaining game that thrilled the 20,000 crowd and at times rose to the heights expected of the Fijians.

For the USA full back John Bucholz impressed in both attack and defense; center John Eloff was busy stopping the bigger Fijian players with solid hits and veteran Dan Lyle stood out in the lineout.

The next match for the USA is against Scotland on Monday 20th October at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.