The USA men's rugby team, and in fact support for international rugby in the USA took a big hit Friday night in Calgary.
With the Eagles' 34-20 loss to Canada the USA is now in a precarious position with regard to World Cup qualification. With Tonga beating Samoa, it's now likely (unless something weird happens), that the USA will play Samoa for 5th in the Pacific Nations Cup. That game will be for a place in Australia 2027. The loser will go to the final qualification tournament, which is where the USA ended up last time, losing out on a place due to points difference.
Add to that the fact that the PNC is now scheduled to finish up in the USA, and the USA will not be playing in the semifinals (unless something really weird happens). The plan was to have the USA playing in either the final or the 3rd-4th match in Salt Lake City September 20. That will almost certainly not happen now.
As For The Game
Tyler Ardon has been the best or close to the best North American rugby player for some time now. He has not been playing for Canada, playing for Castres in France has has not been available for selection for one reason or another for a few years. His return for Canada was one of the most dominant performances a single player can have in a rugby game.
The assumption was that Ardron would be a factor, but couldn't overcome Canada's other issues. But he did just that. The USA were backed up early and it was Ardron who rallied the forwards (along with Lucas Rumball, who is also an excellent player) and it was Ardron who scored the opening try.
The USA responded well with some open-field play and off a penalty they were able to drive a little before JP Smith found Dom Besag charging in on a good line. Try USA and a 7-7 tie.
The Eagles controlled things after that. They defended well in a game that was really entertaining and hard-hitting. Both teams created turnover chances. It was a long kick and chase from Rufus McLean that put the USA in an attacking position and then a perfect wide kick from AJ to McLean saw the wing catch on the fly and score. MacGinty converted and it was 14-7.
But Canada responded, and this time when they got a penalty in the middle of the field inside the USA 22, Ardron was lurking on the wing. Fullback Peter Nelson took the ball, and as everyone expected him to opt for posts, he tapped and lofted a kick for Ardron. Try Canada as they caught almost everyone napping.
Ardron made it three with another pic-and-go, helped along by USA indiscipline, while MacGinty added a penalty for a 17-17 tie at halftime.
