Motevideo, Uruguay - After a close first half and late rally, the Men's USA Selects couldn't contain the Samoa A offense leading to a 26-48 loss in the Americas Pacific Challenge opening match.
"Samoa were deserved winners as they sniffed out two periods of momentum and took their opportunities in bunches.' noted Head Coach Scott Lawrence. "Looking forward to the lessons from this one shared tomorrow. We'll be better for it.'
Samoa A seemed to consistently be on defense through the first 40 minutes as the US kept the pressure, but with two quick breakaways the men playing in all blue kits would begin the contest with a 14-0 lead. The young Eagles prospects would keep the score close by half time however, after two impressive scores from Tim Maupin and Captain Peter Malcom, just before time expired.
After the second half kick-off, play would veer one sided in favor of Samoa A. A red card was issued to #6 Hanco Germishuys, finding the Selects competing against a man advantage. Samoa quickly capitalized with a speedy three tries in the first 7 minutes. By the 60′ Samoa A found themselves with a commanding 48-14 lead.
Feeling no remorse, the selects kept on the attack as #14 Mitch Wilson found some daylight in the 64′ giving the US a third try, followed by substitute JP Eloff converting for 7. Indiana star Bryce Campbell would also reach the pay dirt with 10 minutes left in the match, resulting in a final score of 26-48.
Lawrence continued, "When we embraced simplicity and speed, we were able to get over the top for extended periods in the game'.
The Men's USA Rugby Selects will look to regain momentum against Uruguay A on Wednesday at 1:00PM
Men's USA Rugby Selects Starting Roster:
1. Alex Maughan (Sub Moungaloa @ 47′)
2. Peter Malcom (C) (Sub Vorster @ 73′)
3. Angus McClellan (Sub Wenglewski @ 53′)
4. Matthew Jensen
5. Brendan Daly (VC)
6. Hanco Germishuys
7. Aladdin Schirmer
8. Jackson Kaka (Sub Hardiman @ 52′)
9. Ruben de Haas (Sub Yungert @ 56′)
10. Benjamin Cima (Sub Eloff @ 49′)
11. Zach Pangelinan
12. Bryce Campbell (Sub Filikitonga @ 76′)
13. Tim Maupin
14. Mitch Wilson
15. Martini Talapusi (Sub Wooching @ 53′)
16. Alex Vorster
17. Chance Wenglewski
18. Huluholo Moungaloa
19. Brendan Hardiman
20. Psalm Wooching
21. Holden Yungert
22. Jean-Pierre Eloff
23. Lemoto Filikitonga
