USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin rolled the dice against South Africa, and the result has a few plusses.

Yes, the Eagles lost 64-0 and really only showed a few flashes of what they're capable of. But at the same time, everyone on the squad has now logged some playing time, which is actually important. And there don't seem to have been any major injuries. Samu Manoa was taken off after 47 minutes, but that was just to keep him fresh. So, for the most part, the lineup that will start against Japan will be rested (notably, both potential starting hookers played, and were in fact on the field together as Zach Fenoglio was drafted in to play loose forward late in the game).

We also saw some good work by some players. Brett Thompson looked like he could cause defenses problems, and in fact Thompson and the other wing, Zack Test, combined for 85 meters, basically tied for second behind Blaine Scully, who got most of his 60 meters on one run.

Samu Manoa was an inspirational leader and put in plenty of work. "I am proud of the boys," Manoa said afrer the game.We played well in the first half. We just need to put it all together for a game." 

Cam Dolan once again made an impression coming off the bench, making eight tackles and not missing any, and also busting his butt to stop that final try, when there was no point other than for pride.

Prop Chris Baumann led all players with 16 tackles. Andrew Suniula made nine tackles, and missed only one. John Quill had 11 and missed two. The USA lineout has not functioned well, but put an experienced head in there like Lou Stanfill and it works. Stanfill secured four lineouts against South Africa, the most of any USA player in any of the three World Cup games.

But perhaps the story of the game, and the lesson going forward, is that in the first 40 minutes against Australia, Scotland, and South Africa combined this year, the USA scored 23 points and gave up 34. But in the second half of those games, they were outscored 116-3.

"In the first half I was so pleased with the way our guys played," said Tolkin. "They just poured their hearts out and I was really pleased with the effort. Once the Springboks got going it really wore our guys down quickly. At this World Cup you don't get any 80, 90, or 100-point scores. They (players) played against a full Springboks side. In four years' time it will be really interesting to see what happens. They aren't superhuman and it's important for our guys to see that. We are developing a belief the more we play the top teams. It would have been interesting to see what a full (USA) side would have done against the Springboks."

Tolkin said this acknowledging that it was his decision not to put his best side up against the Springboks. He did this because they play Japan in four days, and that's the USA's last chance for a win.

The USA is not alone in having to turn around to play two games in four days. At least this year, some top nations are asked to do it. But for a team that doesn't have a lot of depth, it's really hard.

"I am very frustrated," said Tolkin, "and we are certainly not alone. It is hard to take when you have to make a lineup based on a few days' rest and I am sure Rugby World Cup will look at this after the tournament."

The USA cannot get anything from a win over Japan other than a chance to finish not-last in their pool. Japan, at 2-1, can still potentially get to the quarterfinals with a win, and would certainly clinch 3rd (which they don't need because they host the next World Cup in 2019) if they won or tied. If the USA wins they can possibly bypass Samoa if Samoa loses to Scotland on Saturday.