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USA Eagles 14 - Clairemont ASM 37. The score seems to say it all until you discover that the US was ahead 7-0 after 10 minutes of play. In those 10 minutes, the Eagles displayed good ball movement and precise decision-making on offense and stout defense, highlighted by some great tackling with their backs against ASM's try line. Unfortunately, the remainder of the first half of play, as well as the majority of the second, was marred by poor ball handling and pitiful set-pieces, particularly line-outs. Another sore point was our inability to convert penalty kicks, missing two... To ASM's credit, they fully capitalized on US mistakes, and remained aggressive, even when one man down. Additionally, ASM's squad fielded 12 capped players, indicating that this match was taken seriously on their part. Rugby fans here appreciate that fact. Their defense, which pressured the US into several mistakes, was a lesson in itself to the Eagles, who fielded a very young team. By fielding such a young side, Coach Johnson has sent a message to USA Rugby: No position is secure. What's passed is past. The coach seemed discouraged by his team's mistakes, but is apparently satisfied with their talent level. Hopefully the Eagles will eventually do Coach Johnson proud. They have a chance at redemption on 23 August as they take on Munster, again on home soil.