(David Barpal photo)

The USA had to beat Uruguay in March to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, and into the 2nd half it didn't look too good for them. With 47 minutes gone in the opening leg of the two-game series, Uruguay led 22-13. The Eagles had encountered all sorts of trouble getting over the tryline, and needed a spark to get them back in the game.

They got it. From a lineout at midfield, Hayden Smith won the throw and dropped the ball down to Mike Petri. Petri passed quickly out to Toby L'Estrange at flyhalf who sent it immediately to center Andrew Suniula. This was a set move, with Suniula expecting Manoa, who had not lined up in the lineout, to crash through the line. That's exactly what the big lock did. He took a flat pass from Suniula and thundered through the line. Fifty-two meters later Manoa was in under the posts.

It was a wonderful example of a nicely-executed play designed to use Manoa's pace, power, and athletcisim. Locks aren't supposed to be open-field runners like that, but Manoa is. The try was also meaningful, as it brought the USA back in the game at 22-20. Ultimately they would tie this match 27-27, and win the rematch in Atlanta to qualify.

Here's a GIF of the try (see link below for next award):

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