Well it won't be the Cup Final for the USA as the Eagles lost 26-12 to New Zealand, showing a little bit of the nerves they have displayed in the past when playing in front of their home fans.

The Eagles looked like world-beaters in the opening few minutes, as they worked the ball expertly from sideline to sideline. Normally, Carlin Isles would have been gone with space to spare, but on the narrow Sam Boyd Stadium field the New Zealand defense bottled him up. So it was with patience and power - with Danny Barrett rucking his bearded heart out - that they worked their way down the field, finishing with Madison Hughes selling a dummy and scampering in under the posts.

That was a 7-0 lead for the USA, and they didn't look that in control for a long while after that. New Zealand exploited the tiniest of space out wide for one try, and quickly were in with a second to lead 14-7. The Eagles had a few chances to move the ball, but didn't quite connect the dots. They opted to move Isles inside on a cut move, but the pass from Barrett couldn't be controlled. 

The third try from New Zealand was as galling as could be. The USA had the ball, and had won the ruck, but the ball rolled out of the ruck without anyone noticing. Zack Test was too far away to get to it in time and it was easy for the All Blacks 7s to run in. It was a frustrating score for the USA to absorb because it seems like any other team would have been penalized for slowing the ball down, thus requiring three USA players to battle in that ruck. New Zealand got the benefit of the doubt, and the try was a cruel one.

The second half started with the USA getting more into the swing of the game. They kept the ball, and earned a penalty that seemed to set up a sure try. But the referee called them back from the quick tap saying Zack Test has not tapped at the mark (he tapped right next to the ref, but referee Rasta Rasivhenge had missed the mark, too). No matter. Some work left, no room for isles, and then right where Hughes went in around the edge. 21-12.

Folau Niua's conversion curled just to the wrong side of the posts, so the USA needed to score twice to catch New Zealand. They didn't, as the All Black 7s worked their pattern and scored in the corner. The Eagles lost control of the ball too often - both Isles and Perry Baker had that problem. The pressure of making the final might have instilled too much urgency in the team. They were certainly emotional, but not quite in control.

So it's a return engagement with South Africa for 3rd place at 3pm Pacific Time.

USA 12
Tries: Hughes
Convs: Hughes

New Zealand 26
Tries: Ioane 2, Dickson, Stowers
Convs: Waaka 3