Saturday, June 5, 2010 - Submitted by Sara Wright - USA Rugby
The U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team started off a bit rusty in its Churchill Cup pool match against Russia on Saturday, but after working out some of the kinks, the Eagles put in an impressive second half effort to win, 39-22, in its first test match in over six months.
“We struggled with the pace of the game early out,” Eagles Head Coach Eddie O’Sullivan said. “Having not played for over six months, it was expected we’d be a bit rusty. We were happy with the win, but it’s clear we still have a lot of work going forward.”
Russia actually found itself in scoring position first, after a U.S. mistake led to a penalty in the first minute of play. Russia missed, but held some early momentum and was able to touch down the first try 10 minutes later after a great up and under kick fell perfectly into the Russian fullback’s hands. Vasily Artemyev ran it in and put his team up 5-0.
A few minutes later, the Eagles would also find themselves with a penalty kick in close proximity. The USA’s Nese Malifa missed the uprights, but just shy of the 17 minute mark teammate Takudzwa Ngwenya was able to save the ball from touch, passing the ball to Louis Stanfill, who passed it to Mike Petri for five points. Malifa split the uprights from the corner and the U.S. led 7-5.
Both teams stood strong for the next 15 minutes, with Russia holding their own in their set pieces and the U.S. refusing to back down on defense. Leading the way for the USA’s defense was the offensive play-maker Petri, who made a couple of great tackles to save the scoreline in the first half. Also, a saving grace for the U.S. Team was Malifa’s boot, which confidently kicked to space in several instances, gaining some much needed ground in crucial moments for the U.S.
However, following a switch at kicker, Russia slotted its first kick of the day in the 31st minute to regain the lead 8-7. That didn’t last long though, as the U.S. was back at it again moments later. After the restart, a kicked ball was picked up by Paul Emerick, who then found some space, breaking a few tackles and making his way about 20 meters before handing off to Chris Wyles for the try. Malifa again converted and the U.S. was up 14-8 in the 32nd minute
Russia wouldn’t roll over and finished the half strong, breaking away off a scrum in their half, taking it the distance and scoring their second try of the game. Scrumhalf Alexander Yanyushkin converted and the teams broke for half with the score 15-14, Russia.
Following an encouraging halftime speech, the U.S. Eagles came out with a bit more momentum and started the half with a Malifa penalty kick in the 45th minute. Holding the Russians just feet from the tryline, the U.S. was eventually called for being off-sides, though, and Russia took the scrum. Following a phase of play flanker Evgeny Matveev brought it over the line. The conversion was good and Russians increased the scoreline to 22-17, marking the last time Russia would find itself in the lead.
Just a few minutes later, the U.S. got the ball rolling with a Patrick Danahy try that saw five pairs of hands before he crossed the line. Just a few more minutes later, man of the match, Shawn Pittman, broke away towards goal. The ball eventually found Wyles, who touched one down in the corner, which Malifa also slotted to bring the USA’s lead to 29-22.
The U.S. had obviously found its niche, and Ngwenya found another sweet pass to touch one down. Malifa converted and the U.S. sealed the deal with another penalty kick 15 minutes later to secure the Eagles’ first Churchill Cup pool win in seven years.
“We had a proper patch in the second half,” O’Sullivan said. “I think a lot of our guys dug deep and our replacements were fast off the bench. They all worked hard for this result.”
The U.S. Eagles play next on Sunday, June 13 against the England Saxons. The Saxons will be coming off their match against Russia on Wednesday, and the Eagles will definitely be looking to capitalize on the Saxons quick turnaround.
For more information on the U.S. Men’s Team, please visit www.usarugby.org/goto/mens_eagles. For more information on the Churchill Cup or to listen to the matches live via the audiocast, please visit www.churchillcuprugby.net.
USA EAGLES LINEUP 15. Chris Wyles(Saracens) 14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz Olympique) 13. Junior Sifa (Middleton RFC) 12. Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins) 11. Paul Emerick (Parma RFC) 10. Nese Malifa (Belmont Shore) 9. Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club) 1. Mate Moeakiola (Sporting Club Albi) 2. Phillip Thiel (Life University) 3. Shawn Pittman (Bayside RFC) 4. John Van de Giessen (Sporting Club Albi) *Captain 5. Scott Lavalla(Dublin University) 6. Louis Stanfill(Canberra Royals) 7. Matt Hawkins (Belmont Shore) 8. Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians)
Reserves 16. Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate) 17. Tony Purpura (Boston Rugby Club) 18. Patrick Danahy (Life Univeristy) 19. J.J. Gagiano(University of Cape Town) 20. Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC) 21. Volney Rouse (Te Kawau) 22. Alipate Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers)
