GRR: Eagle Men
Chris Baumann’s try for the USA against Samoa was probably the first time that many rugby fans have heard his name.
The University of Wyoming, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Life, Tempe Santa Monica, and NYAC player has certainly been all over the place, working and playing and trying to make it.
This year, he finally got his first cap, and Sunday his first USA try.
Of World Cup glory little things are made. The USA Men’s National Team had it all together to beat Samoa, and didn’t do so. Why? Let’s look:
Samoa had a good game plan, which combined physical play and working the pick-and-names, and then exploiting the USA defensive push with grubber kicks. The kicks worked very well, leading to 13 points, including two tries.
BRIGHTON, UK - The USA’s bid to win two or three pool games at the Rugby World Cup was dealt a massive blow Sunday as the Eagles were defeated by Samoa 25-16 in Brighton.
Man of the match Tim Nanai-Williams was brilliant as an attacking forced from fullback, while the Eagles kept getting into penalty trouble, giving up 11 penalties while Samoa was penalized just four times.
USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin has named his squad for the team's Rugby World Cup opener against Samoa.
Here's a look at the USA team (below) and also the matchiup between the two teams. Additional reporting from Chris Tipping and by Boudewijn de Jongh.
LONDON - Captain Chris Wyles, Mike Petri and Takudzwa Ngwenya will all make a third Rugby World Cup appearance for USA Sunday as the Eagles face Samoa in their opening game in Brighton.
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