ThE USA U20s took a big step toward qualifying for the 2023 World Rugby Trophy with an emphatic defeat of Canada U20s 43-21 Tuesday in Spartanburg, SC.
Saint Mary's College center Dominic Besag scored two tries but really it was a dominant effort by the USA defense and good teamwork overall that produced the victory.
The Junior Eagles were hit with penalties early and that played into Canada's hands. They punished one series of infractions to set up a lineout and maul to put hooker Michael Di Lella Jr. over for the try. Owain Cormack converted for a 7-0 Canada lead.
After that the USA was much smarter in the breakdown avoiding referee Kat Roche's whistle. They quickly got points through a penalty goal from fullback Steffan Crimp and off the restart put Canada under more pressure. The result was a miscue on a Canadian lineout inside their 22. Flanker Cameron McAlpine stole the ball and after a couple of phases Besage blasted through some tacklers and stretched over. Crimp added the extras and the USA had the lead 10-7 after 12 minutes.
They would not relinquish it.
From then on through the first half the Junior Eagles had the run of play. On defense they hardly led Canada gain any ground, and when they did, the cover defense was there. On attack the USA played much more rugby and with center Aki Pulu and No. 8 Aidan Christians making big yardage, consistently put themselves in scoring position.
Good phase work and hard carries got the USA close. And then from a penalty and a lineout they mauled it over, with Christians doing the honors. Crimp converted again and it was 17-7.
At 35 minutes runs from Besag and Christians got the USA back in the red zone. The forwards bashed at the line until scrumhalf Solomon Williams sent it ou to Besag, who charged through Cormack's tackle o score. Crimp converted again and it was 24-7.
The Bounce of the Ball
As the half came to a close, Canada had an excellent chance to regain the momentum. However, a nice counterruck from lock Will Sherman turned the ball over. A USA kick way downfield meant the chase was on and McAlpine got on his horse to toe the ball ahead just before Cormack slid onto it. The ball rolled to the tryline and, cruelly for Canada fans, bounced off the goalpost pad and away from the flailing arms of he Canadians. Wing Sosaia Pongi raced in to pick up the ball and touch down. It was a huge score for the USA as it made it 31-7 at halftime, and Canada was in real trouble.
