The USA Eagles lost their World Cup warm-up match 27-7 against Canada in front of a sold-out crowd at Infinity Park on Saturday.
Despite plenty of possession and territory for the home side, it was USA errors that allowed Canada to run in three tries during the match.
The opening points of the match came from Canadian center DTH van der Merwe who picked up a loose ball and raced 50 meters to score.
Full-back James Pritchard kicked the conversion, putting Canada 7-0 up after five minutes. The USA replied by putting some excellent phases together, getting over the advantage line with every carry.
This pressure eventually resulted in two yellow cards, one for lock Jamie Cudmore and later flanker Chauncey O'Toole. Both players were penalised for not coming through the gate during a ruck.
Despite a lack of possession Pritchard added a penalty for Canada.
Down 10-0, the USA began another build-up using multiple attacking phases. This time Malifa put a deft kick through with full-back Blaine Scully sliding over to score for the home side.
The capacity crowd enjoyed Malifa's sideline conversion, leaving the half-time score at 10-7.
Winger Taku Ngwenya sparked the second half into action with an amazing run, beating three defenders, sending Louis Stanfill over in the corner. The television match official (TMO) adjudged that Stanfill was held up over the tryline.
The Eagles then lost Chris Biller to a yellow card for not rolling away at the ruck, with the hooker being sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. From the resulting penalty Pritchard put Canada ahead 13-7.
Paul Emerick made his second massive break of the match, slicing through the Canadian mid field. But a turnover led to Canada's van der Merwe setting up a try for Aaron Carpenter.
The Eagles had their chances later in the match, but another long range try saw winger Phil Mackenzie dot down, sealing the match 27-7.
The scorers:
For Canada:
Tries: Van der Merwe, Carpenter, Mackenzie;
Cons: Pritchard 3
Pens: Pritchard 2
For USA:
Try: Scully
Con: Malifa
Comments
5Lock4ward says...
@TheWinger, Unfortunately for the Eagles I'm sure Malifa will be trusted to steer the ship. That said I understand your point about him being an outside back and based on Wyles' ability to cover multiple positions in the Premiership and the fact that the Eagles have respectable depth at wing w/ Patterson, Swiryn and Ngwenya I'd give Wyles a shot at fly-half over anyone else. Especially with the way Scully has performed at 15 the past 2 tests.
Posted 12:40 17th August 2011
TheWinger says...
5Lock4ward. Fair call. Surely , there must be another no 10 in US rugby or another 10 in the squad they can use?
I suspect from talk around here that Paterson may get used in the midfield if fit.
Posted 11:47 17th August 2011
5Lock4ward says...
@ TheWinger, it's far from ignorance of the game. It's desperation to see Malifa stop ruining the Eagles chances. Frankly I would take a hooker from the Crusaders to play at 10 for the Eagles over Malifa, he is that out of his depth. Let it be Wyles then at 10 and try Swryn or Scully at 12, all I care about is that Malifa is not at the helm when RWC kicks off.
Posted 13:43 16th August 2011
TheWinger says...
5Lock4ward: And I said lastw ekk AND I'LL say it again as someone who has watched Paterson play in NZ for the past few years HE IS NOT the answer at no 10! The guy is an outside back. Find a specialist first five, don't plug the gap.
Based on your theroy ANY player who has palyed super 15 can play at no 10 because they have palyed super rugby. Ingnorance of the game at its best. Might as well pick a hooker who has played for the Crusaders there, taht fits your theory perfectly!
Posted 01:57 16th August 2011
5Lock4ward says...
@LargeJohnson, why do you feel the need to belittle the importance of USA, Canada, Italy and Japan? Last time I checked all those teams are headed to the World Cup; same as Fiji and Tonga.
As for this match it's clear that Malifa needs to be replaced as the starting fly-half. Wyles needs to come in at 12, keep Emerick at 13 and Scully at 15. I said it last week and I'll say it again, based on the fact that Patterson plays Super Rugby in NZ he should become the Eagles' fly-half when he comes back. Or bring back Mike Hercus. The 8 man, Johnson, lacks any semblance of dynamism in the tackle or with ball in hand. Every time the Eagles looked ready to make an impact play the necessary pass was found wanting, being thrown at shoe-string level resulting in dropped balls and knock-ons. That combined with Canada's ability to capitalize on the Eagles' lack of ball carrier support resulted in another humiliating USA loss.
Posted 16:31 15th August 2011
mfisk says...
From memory, USA got smashed last time they played in Tokyo. Too many big nights at Heartland in Roppongi.
Posted 14:12 15th August 2011
KubilaKhan says...
Malifa needs to see the bench and O'Sullivan needs to do somthing about getting his players to capatalize on opportuities given. There's too much one man army showing around when they get close. USA have a lot to work on in defence as well and they desperately need a new flyhalf who is not a coward.
Posted 01:48 15th August 2011
LargeJohnson says...
why was the Tonga vs Fiji that happened last week not even listed as a fixture but you've got reports on USA vs Canada and Japan vs Italy
Tonga play Fiji again next week too
The editor says.... Fiji v Tonga match report: http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3894_7098060,00.html
Posted 00:37 15th August 2011
Kawasakifreak says...
If the USA communicate better in defence can reduce unforced & work on their skills to reduce unforced errors then they can ask questions of defences - the scoreline flattered Canada imo.
Posted 19:47 14th August 2011
LooseHeadCannon says...
The USA had more turnovers than a Montreal bakery,and Canada cashed most of them in. Enjoy that plane trip to Tokyo.....
Posted 16:38 14th August 2011
SACanuck says...
Way to go Canada, looking good and good luck
Posted 13:48 14th August 2011