Nate Augspurger was among one of the bench players with the USA team that didn't get much time on the field, but he cherished the time he got.

Against Wales in the Plate Semifinal, the USA had the game won with time off the clock, but the game had taken a turn. The subs had come on, and in their eagerness to make their mark, had pressed too much, and given up two Welsh tries. So with the hooter gone, the Eagles could have just kicked the ball out, but the players on the field wanted to show they could construct a try. In stepped Augspurger, who took a pass and made a step and was gone from his own tryline to the Welsh end zone, and a try.

For Augspurger, it was just a moment.

"The key for us is when we don't get in a game is to continue to remember how we're contributing, whether it's in the warmups, in the lockers rooms, or whatever it may be," Augspurger told Goff Rugby Report. "It's difficult at times, but it's about being a team player and getting this group where we need to go, which is a Gold Medal."

USA Coach Mike Friday congratulates Augspurger on a job well done. Steve Seiller photo.

When the subs get their opportunity, said Augspurger, "we want to stay on task and also have some fun."

Augspurger and his teammate, Garrett Bender played for the Southside HS program in Minnesota. Augspurger went on to start at the University of Minnesota while Bender went on to St. Cloud State. But they remember their beginnings as rugby players.

Sam Robinson was the coach there, along with several players' dads. It was a good beginning for the Eagle 7s player.

"Me and G always try to go back and play and playing for the YoungBloodz was like playing for Southside," said Augspurger. "It's like playing for our roots, and sometimes we remind each other before a game, like "hey man, just play, just like YoungBloodz. We chase cheetahs.' We always remember where we come from and why we love the game so much, and it's because of all the things happening in the Minnesota rugby community."