The USA won their Challenge Cup Quarterfinal 19-14 over Japan thanks in large part to a couple of big players from Danny Barrett.

Carlin Isles started the game and was the focus of the USA's offensive moves. He drew plenty of attention from a physical and tenacious Japanese defense. But, after a long period of USA attack, Isles bunch the D enough that the ball was sent out wide for Barrett. A brilliant slap pass by Folau Niua and catch by Martin Iosefo made that happen.

After that, the Eagles gave up too many penalties and allowed Japan to get back in the game with two tries. Bad clearouts in the rucks didn't help.

In the second half, Japan held on defensively and got a penalty in their own 22. They took the lineout, and then overthrew. Barrett caught the ball and then beat four Japan players - a fewn, a shoulder, another fend, and a turn of pace - to score a key try. That made it 14-14, and then some good teamwork set up Isles for the game-winner.

It wasn't over - the Eagles had to put in a defensive stand, and did so, even when Andrew Durutalo got a yellow card. Barrett finished it off with a turnover a few meters from his own team's tryline and Stephen Tomasin kicked for touch to end the game. The USA will play Kenya in the Challenge semi.