The USA The Eagles won Hong Kong China in a dramatic 28-26 victory at the Stade Marcel-Verchère in Bourg-en-Bresse France, but Scott Lawrence’s side will know more precision is needed if they are to build on their unbeaten Cup of Nations campaign.
Dominant in physical exchanges and increasingly effective at the breakdown, the Eagles showed how dangerous they can be when their powerful forward pack establishes momentum.
Yet for all their superiority, the Americans needed a late try from substitute hooker Caleb Geiger and a superb conversion from Chris Hilsenbeck to overcome a determined Hong Kong China side.
Statistics tell an interesting story. The Eagles finished with a 97% ruck efficiency rate, carried 371 metres, beat 25 defenders and made 11 offloads. This stat was clearly reflected in the eye test with Scott Lawrence’s team making a solid pitch when holding a tight game only to see opportunities go to waste with untimely mistakes.
The afternoon got off to a frustrating start for the Eagles when a dropped kick allowed Marcus Ramage to open the scoring for Hong Kong China.
Responding positively, the Eagles established control through their forwards, with props Payton Telea-Ilalio and Tonga Kofe is especially effective in close exchanges. A patient series of carries set the stage for the USA’s opening try by the outstanding Perry May who finished off a sharp play that saw the ball go through the arm beautifully.
This was soon followed by a try from influential number eight Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz which was powered from a well executed driving maul. It was an insight into the attacking formula that would ultimately secure victory.
With their forwards consistently winning the gain line, the Eagles seemed poised to take control. However, a series of missed opportunities allowed Hong Kong China to stay within striking distance.
Hooker Shilo Klein was held over the line before an unnecessarily complicated run sequence cost the Americans possession. Moments later, Hong Kong, China tailback Jack Bartlett capitalized on a pass defense on a power breakdown through the coverage defense for a try that was solid against the run of play.
Despite enjoying 62% possession and 69% territory through the first 40 minutes, the Eagles went into halftime trailing 17-14.
The second half got off to a promising start as Rufus McLean’s aggressive pursuit forced a foul in the opening kick and Hong Kong China captain Joshua Hrstich was booked moments later for a high tackle.
However, the Americans struggled to convert their advantage into points. Benjamin Bonasso made a great attacking break, only to lose possession when Chris Hilsenbeck lost contact.
Hong Kong China, meanwhile, continued to make the most of its opportunities. Nathan De Thierry extended the lead from the spot before the Eagles reverted to their most effective attacking weapon. A dominant surge forward forced a penalty try, temporarily regaining the lead for the Americans. However, further penalties gave Hong Kong China a chance to respond, with Dylan McCann converting two kicks to establish a five-point lead going into the final ten minutes.
For Lawrence, the encouraging aspect will be that the Eagles have consistently demonstrated the ability to physically overwhelm their opponents. Their breakdown efficiency provided a reliable attacking platform, while their carrying power repeatedly forced Hong Kong China onto the defensive.
Going into the window without the experience of Ruben de Haas, Luke Carty and AJ MacGinty, the Eagles are short of experience at half-back. For the combination of Oscar Lennon and Chris Hilsenbeck, the big job now will be when to pull the trigger all the way, and when to keep things tight and direct.
To their credit, as time ticked down, the Eagles went with what served them well. A constant forward attack culminated in Geiger forcing his way out of an upset running tackle, drawing the sides level.
Standing tall, Hilsenbeck then calmly slotted a turnover on the touchline to establish a two-point lead with three minutes remaining. Hong Kong China mounted one final drive, but a key interception by NFL convert Cash Maluia and an overtime interception by Bonasso sealed the win.
With 58 players used in recent internationals, developing cohesion remains an ongoing process for Lawrence’s squad. There is undeniable potential within this Eagles squad, especially when their forwards establish control and their attacking structure works patiently. In the absence of key players, namely Jack Iscaro and David Ainu’u, the Eagles dug up some much-needed depth a year after the World Cup.
A meeting with Romania in Bucharest before the Eagles travel to Tbilisi to play Georgia, two challenging matches that will require more precision and composure.
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