With their 32-12 defeat of Hong Kong and Spain’s 40-22 defeat of Namibia, the USA U20s are in good position to take 1st Pool B of the World Rugby U20 Trophy.

Had Namibia beaten Spain, then the Namibians would have been able to clinch 1st regardless of a USA victory in the final round. But because Spain won, it’s now down to the winner of Spain v USA. The Junior All Americans, having earned two bonus points in their loss to Namibia - one for four tries and one for a close loss - sit only three points shy of the Spanish. So a win should be enough to put the USA through because the first tiebreaker is (we think) head-to-head. The only way Spain can advance with a loss to the USA is if the USA doesn’t score four tries, and Spain does, and loses a close one - with the six-point try in effect in this tournament, that’s virtually impossible.

A tie would favor Spain.

For USA U20s Head Coach JD Stephenson, it makes the job very clear - get better and beat Spain.

“It was a great learning curve for the players and an introduction to the level and standard of international sides that we are set to face,” said Stephenson of that 46-44 loss to Namibia. Going into yesterday’s game against Hong Kong, the team spoke “about grinding out the win and the ‘rebound’ after the close loss.”

While the Americans won comfortably 32-12, Stephenson said Hong Kong put in a “valiant performance.” The coach wasn’t so impressed with his own team.

“It was a disappointing match for ourselves and the standards we have put in place,” said Stephenson. “We have adapted and adjusted all facets of our game to ensure we are fully prepared to face a quality Spanish side.”

And a quality side they are. They can kick - big surprise, of course they can kick - and they can run and pass. But perhaps the biggest surprise is their work in tight.

“Spain has a great set piece and the use of their driving maul has been paramount, in the first two matches, to their success,” said Stephenson. “They employ a territorial kicking game, but, also don't mind to use the ball and play an exciting brand of rugby with some explosive outside backs. From our standpoint, we must win the battle of the gainline and maintain possession and continuity to piece together our attack. Defensively, we are looking  for good line speed and connections in our defensive line to stop their forward momentum.”

So there is much work to do before Wednesday’s game. Sunday was a recovery day, so the work really has to be on Monday to nail down a game plan to win the pool. It will come down to defense more than anything - defense and avoiding penalties.