November offers nations one last chance to end the year on a high note. Perhaps no one needs more than them USA Eagles.
If there was a perfect moment to instill confidence in the team, now would be the moment. With a Rugby World Cup in just ten months, the Eagles are desperate to rediscover their winning spirit.
Since my days in the USA jersey, the November tours have brought the ultimate challenge of facing experienced European nations, already deep into their domestic seasons and playing in their own backyard. This Eagles side faces a similar challenge in the final three rounds of the Nations Cup, although their European tour begins against Asian opposition.
The first is ranked 24th Hong Kong China in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, followed by 21st-ranked Romania, a well-known opponent against whom the USA achieved success. Then comes their potentially toughest test of all against the 13th-ranked Georgia in Tbilisi, where the Eagles will look to end their 13-year wait for a win.
The Eagles enter November ranked 15th in the world. While the Cup of Nations offers optimism after three wins on home soil in July, performances since then have told a different story.
For head coach Scott Lawrence, a combined loss of 113-13 in two games against Australia XV last month makes uncomfortable reading, especially after the defeat to Japan and northern neighbors Canada in September at the Pacific Nations Cup.
However, there is an important context.
Injuries and unavailability have plagued the Eagles since July, and now 21 members of the Elite Playing Squad are unavailable for November. Lawrence was therefore forced to test his squad, offering valuable opportunities to players who could have significant roles at next year’s World Cup.
Eagles fans should understand that recent frustrations will only fuel the desire to improve. There are problems that don’t need to be solved by rocket science, and individuals that need to step up.
I truly believe that if the Eagles address those areas, they have every chance of lifting the Nations Cup trophy later this month.
Defensive improvements and a reduction in turnovers are obvious needs, but probably the biggest area that needs shoring up, after the Australia XV series and even from the PNC, is the inconsistency in the set piece.
If there’s one thing I remember from playing in places like Bucharest and Tbilisi in November, it’s that you need a strong platform.
The line became too easy for the Australia XV to disrupt, giving possession and opportunities to dangerous opposition. Turnovers mounted, and the Eagles were penalized multiple times.
The effort was never lacking, especially in desperate defensive situations, but there’s only so much time to chase your tail before the pressure becomes overwhelming. Last Friday, half of Australia’s points came in the final 12 minutes.
Lawrence knows that better than anyone.
“You have to win your set … if you give them the ball enough times, they will score,” he admitted in a post-match press conference following the encounter in New Jersey.
Dan Perrin is hopefully the man who can fix it.
The Crusaders forwards coach, who helped deliver two Super Rugby Pacific title since joining in 2023, has been introduced to the Eagles’ lineup for October and November. His immediate challenge is to restore reliability to an advanced platform struggling for consistency.
One player that I believe could be key to that improvement is Chicago Hounds second row Nathan den Hoedt.
At six-foot-six and 255 pounds, den Hoedt brings a physical presence and experience, having helped field Major League Rugby’s best squad in 2026. Since becoming eligible for the U.S. last summer, he has emerged as an important option alongside captain Jason Damm.
For years, the Eagles have struggled to replace the impact of established forwards like Greg Peterson, Nick Civetta and Samu Manoa. With Sam Golla and Rhyno Redlinghuys also available, Lawrence has options, but finding consistency is key.
As a former quarterback, I won’t pretend to dissect all the technical reasons behind the lineup struggles. Was it a call, a throw or a jumper? Choose.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: win possession, establish a platform and give your backs a chance to play.
That platform creates something the Eagles desperately need: control.
And the control then comes from the half-backs.
There’s a question USA supporters have been asking since my time with the team nearly a decade ago: Who takes over when AJ MacGinty isn’t available?
MacGinty hasn’t worn an Eagles jersey since last November. While it is Bristol The Bears playmaker is still an exceptional talent, the US cannot continue to rely on him as their only halftime answer for next year’s World Cup.
Chris Hilsenbeck of the Chicago Hounds became Lawrence’s most reliable alternative.
The former Germany international helped lead Chicago to their first MLR championship this year, finishing as the league’s third-leading scorer and earning Team of the Season honors.
Since the end of the MLR season, Hilsenbeck has started five of the Eagles’ last seven games. He is also their leading scorer in the Cup of Nations, having kicked the late winner against Portugal in Denver on the 4th of July.
I like the maturity and poise that Hilsenbeck brings. He’s not necessarily a flashy playmaker, but he understands how to run the game.
Unfortunately, he will be without his regular club and international half-back partner, Ruben de Haas, as the veteran scrum-half jumped last Friday in New Jersey and will miss his chance to earn his 50th cap of the year.
I especially enjoyed watching the couple work in July. Their kicking strategy was organized, purposeful and regularly helped the Eagles regain possession.
Some fans don’t like to see the ball kicked out, but there’s a huge difference between a deliberate tackle and simply giving possession away in search of territory.
In European conditions, this difference becomes even more important.
The Eagles’ hitting accuracy and game management have been lacking lately. Without de Haas, Hilsenbeck must take on more responsibility for controlling territory, tempo and decision-making.
But what about when the Eagles have opportunities to attack?
Lawrence recalled two exciting outside linebackers, Rufus McLean and Perry May, both of whom are capable of providing the spark this team needs.
Neither have enjoyed significant game time since July, with Mayo’s fitness particularly worth monitoring after suffering an injury playing for Nevers in August. However, his early appearance for the Eagles in July’s Nations Cup showcase showed why fans should be excited. His acceleration, footwork and willingness to attack defenders offer something different.
In addition to exes Scotland international McLean, who represented Seattle Seawolves last season before moving to the Stade Français, the Eagles possess genuine threats across the board.
Both can contribute significantly to the aerial contest, another area that will likely prove important during November.
While defense and discipline remain obvious areas for improvement, if the forwards secure reliable possession, Hilsenback controls the territory and those outside backs get opportunities in space, the Eagles have the ingredients to trouble their remaining opponents.
And that’s why I’m an optimist.
It’s easy to focus on the disappointing performances, but we shouldn’t forget that this Cup of Nations campaign started with three wins and real momentum.
The opportunity to rediscover that confidence remains.
With fewer dress rehearsals before the World Cup, performances and results are of increasing importance. November is not just a positive way to end 2026. It’s about establishing the standards, combinations and beliefs that will take this team into 2027.
Having personally experienced the ups and downs of wearing an Eagles jersey, I know how quickly confidence can change in a team.
Three strong performances, a few issues fixed and maybe a trophy for it could make a difference.
The Eagles have a chance to remind everyone, including themselves, of what they are capable of.