mens
international
USA XV backman Mano Redelinghuys believes there are “still a lot of positives” to take from the 61-12 defeat by Australia And in Nashville, as the visiting side full Super Rugby Pacific The talent ran away during a dominant second half.
Michael Baska and Mark O’Keeffe found the try line just before the break as the USA XV began to make the most of their one-man advantage. The Australians went down to 14 men on 20 minutes after David Feliuai was red-carded for a high tackle, but still got a decent lead from the bench.
It was a 14-point game at halftime with the USA trailing 26-12, but the second half was one-way in the Aussies’ favor. Ex Highlanders Halfback Nathan Hastie, now at Western Force, was among the scorers during the 35-point avalanche.
The USA Eagles last took the field during the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, where they finished fourth last month. While it is Australia A the clash was not a trial match, the Eagles side faced a team in gold that contained nine qualified Wallabies.
“The guys were a little rusty (after) some time off,” Redelinghuys said on the postgame broadcast.
“But yeah, there’s still a lot of positives to be proud of. Keep working on it and building on it.”
“We’re just going to correct the mistakes and look forward to next week.”
USA Rugby pulled off a double-header at the Nashville Stadium, with the Women’s Eagles securing an emphatic 54-24 win against Italy. The USA XV match followed, with an away team full of Super Rugby Pacific debutants.
Former NRL star Zac Lomax did not take the field and coach Stephen Larkham left out the player with the codes from Game 23. That’s the side that included NSW Waratahs lock Miles Amatoser, who has been named in the Wallabies’ Spring Tour squad.
But for both the USA XV and Australia A, their focus now shifts to the second meeting between the sides next weekend in New Jersey. It is another important indicator for the Americans, who are preparing for the November part of the Rugby World Cup of Nations.
“It’s always amazing,” added Redelinghuys.
“The American fans are amazing. Thank you for coming out, you appreciate it. You always give us energy and it makes us go a little harder, so thank you for being here.”
The USA Eagles went through July’s Nations Cup tests undefeated. It started with a thriller against Portugal, with Chris Hilsenbeck scoring a late match-winner to beat a side that also booked their place in the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Coach Scott Lawrence will oversee the Eagles Hong Kong China on November 8, Romania November 14 and Georgia November 21.
