The USA is being praised for the pressure levied against New Zealand during the final pool stage of the Women's Rugby World Cup, but so many scoring opportunities were left on the field in the 34-3 loss. Yes, the Eagles drew offsides penalties, a yellow card even, and forced the Black Ferns into desperate, exciting goal-line defense, but the USA could not extend its pressure over the try line.

Except for one occasion, that is. New Zealand had a 12-0 lead heading into the second quarter, and captain Kate Daley had been taken out after what looked like a broken ankle. The USA responded with good possession inside New Zealand's 22 meter, and lock Sarah Walsh eventually picked from the base of a ruck and dotted down on the try line. Unfortunately for the USA, the referee wasn't in position to see the grounding - and curiously did not ask the touch judge for assistance. The USA kept possession, however, as a penalty was awarded, but the campaign ended when Sylvia Braaten had the ball knocked away in the tackle, and the ball was cleared. The USA remained near New Zealand's 22 meter for the rest of the half, which ended in injury time when Walsh knocked on a tap penalty.

The pressure reached a crescendo early in the second half, as the USA missed three opportunities at the line due to knock-ons. Frustration started to replace the thrill of making the Black Ferns sweat, and fullback Meya Bizer emphasized that fact as she pounded the ground after fumbling at the line (USA kept possession though). New Zealand cracked, having a player sent off after repeated offsides, and the USA eventually cashed in with a Kimber Rozier penalty, 12-3.

But just as the USA was enjoying its first points, New Zealand hit a hot streak, and the difference between the two teams became evident. The Black Ferns employed the simple strategy of attacking in tight and then sending the ball wide once the defense over-committed. When the USA attempted a similar strategy, New Zealand put a couple of defenders on the ballcarrier, standing her up and slowing down the ball - or, if the Eagle was slow-supported, poaching the ball. When the Eagles had that second player propelling the ballcarrier - the way that Jill Potter does so effectively - it combatted that stifling effect.

New Zealand was so dynamic with a little running room, taking on a 7s keep-it-alive style to keep the defense scrambling while advancing down field. There wasn't much danger in the USA backline. Sadie Anderson was good at wing, and Meya Bizer was heavily involved from fullback. But back play just looked a little confused, a little hesitant, and besides a couple of breakaways, didn't produce much. New Zealand's defense was also prepared: flanker Lynelle Kugler, who can usually time her insert for a darting run, was well contained today.

The game's fourth try was emblematic of how the two teams handled today's pressure, which by the way, had shifted due to the impossibility of making the semifinals. After some quick ball and crisp passes around the field, New Zealand was brought to ground in the USA's end. The Black Ferns took their time at the breakdown as players reset, and the USA was conceding the ruck as its defense realigned as well. But then replacement fullback Nathalie Marchino flew into the breakdown, sending players reeling backward. Initially, it looked like an advantageous move, as New Zealand was shocked into action. But with the fringe now vacant and trailing defense not in position, New Zealand simply picked up and tore into empty space for a couple of passes and try.

It was an exciting game, and New Zealand did not dominate possession or territory the way the score suggests - but the score also suggests so much. The Black Ferns didn't need extended amounts of time to score; they took a turnover, reacted quickly, got creative and scored precisely.

Despite finishing third in the pool, the USA can still top out at 5th overall - but this middle tier of competitors still contains New Zealand, Wales and either France or Australia (game in progress). The knockouts begin August 13.