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It was about as pretty as a fist fight in a phone booth, but the USA Eagles took the first leg of the World Cup Qualifier, defeating Canada 12-6 in stifling 95 degree South Carolina heat. The game was marked by physical, remarkably active forward play on both sides. The USA in particular displayed outstanding one-on-one tackling. The play at the breakdown was consistently fierce, I can't recall seeing more aggressive rucking and counter-rucking in a North American Rugby match. Offensively, the USA were much more industrious, at times running the ball from inside their own 22. They put together their phases well, but were continuously thwarted by numerous loose passes, and on more than one occasion, cast-iron hands. The USA had several line breaks inside Canada's 10 meter line, but could convert none into tries. The pressure did result in several Canadian penalties, which accounted for 9 of the USA's points. Mike Hercus converted one of three drop goals for the other 3 points. For the most part, Canada were content to play for field position, and this came close to paying dividends in the second period, but a staunch USA defense held Canada one meter from the try line, resulting in an eventual Canada turnover.
I was most impressed by the play of Winger Kevin Swiryn, a strong runner who behaves more like an inside center going into tackle. Number 7 Todd Clever was his usual disruptive self at the breakdown, as was Number 6 Louis Stanfill. Hooker Chris Biller has vastly improved since his call up in May, consequently the USA lineout is much better. The conditioning of all the forwards was very impressive.
The USA travel to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for the second leg on 11 July to decide the automatic World Cup bid. As always, combined point totals will determine the victor. I hope the blown opportunities won't come back to haunt the USA in Edmonton.
One enormously positive sign of USA Rugby's growth is that ESPN aired the game live on its flagship network - a very surprising choice for Independence Day!