USA Eagles Dominate Samoa to Secure 2027 World Cup Spot
In a decisive match that showcased both high skill and strategic prowess, the USA Eagles emerged victorious with a 29-13 win against Samoa on Sunday. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Eagles, who had to overcome the disappointment of missing the 2023 World Cup. Their successful performance in Denver not only clinched fifth place in the Pacific Nations Cup but also secured their place in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The Match Unfolds
The match began with a sense of urgency from both teams. Rodney Iona opened the scoring for Samoa with an early penalty, putting pressure on the Eagles. However, the USA faced a setback when flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck suffered a head injury, necessitating a swift substitution. Luke Carty stepped onto the field and quickly made an impact, executing a well-timed, wide pass to Toby Fricker, who managed to score on the left wing, giving the Eagles a 5-3 lead.
Despite Iona reclaiming the lead for Samoa with a penalty, Carty showcased resilience by responding with a penalty of his own, putting the Eagles back in front at 6-5. The Eagles’ forward Pono Davis faced the referee’s wrath, receiving a yellow card for disrupting play, which allowed Iona another chance to score. Unfortunately for Samoa, his attempt at goal was poorly executed, and the first half concluded with a narrow 8-6 lead for the Eagles.
Turning the Tide
The second half witnessed Samoa capitalizing on playing against 14 men. Just after the hour mark, Ben Nee-Nee’s brilliant play set up Olajuwon Noa, who crossed the tryline. With Christian Leali’ifano converting successfully, Samoa took a 13-8 lead, leaving the Eagles momentarily stunned.
However, the Eagles soon found their rhythm. Carty, inspired and determined, pierced through the Samoan defense to score the Eagles’ second try, once again flipping the score in their favor. Despite a missed penalty attempt shortly after, team captain Jason Damm added more salt to the wound with a try of his own. With just five minutes remaining, the Eagles were firmly in control, leading 20-13.
A Final Flourish
As the clock wound down, the game’s intensity peaked. A moment of brilliance came from Ruben de Haas, who seized an opportunity from a midfield blunder, kicking the ball ahead. Rufus McLean quickly retrieved it, allowing Kaleb Geiger to power through the remaining Samoan defenses, scoring the Eagles’ fourth try and solidifying their 29-13 triumph.
In the final moments, Tuna Tuitama received a yellow card for Samoa, rendered moot by the conclusion of the match.
Path Forward
With this victory, the USA Eagles have wrapped up their Pacific Nations Cup campaign and are now setting sights on their next fixture in the upcoming November test window. They will be heading to Edinburgh to face Scotland on November 1, promising another thrilling challenge ahead.
Conversely, Samoa faces a pivotal playoff against Chile, beginning in Salt Lake City next weekend, with a second leg scheduled for Valparaíso in two weeks. The stakes are high for both teams, each aiming to secure their future on the world stage.
Match Statistics at a Glance
USA 29
- Tries: T. Fricker (21’), L. Carty (70’), J. Damm (74’), K. Geiger (76’)
- Conversions: L. Carty 0/1, M. Wilson 3/3 (71′, 79′, 80’+1’)
- Penalties: L. Carty 1/3 (36’)
- Yellow Card: P. Davis (37’)
SAMOA 13
- Tries: M. Nanai (64’)
- Conversions: C. Leali’ifano (65’)
- Penalties: R. Iona 2/4 (4’, 33’)
- Yellow Card: T. Tuitama (79’)
Line-ups
USA Starting XV
- Jack Iscaro (17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth)
- Kapeli Pifeleti (16. Kaleb Geiger)
- Pono Davis
- Marno Redelinghuys
- Jason Damm (capt.)
- Vili Helu (19. Tevita Naqali)
- Cory Daniel
- Paddy Ryan (20. Christian Poidevin)
- Ruben de Haas
- Christopher Hilsenbeck (22. Luke Carty)
- Toby Fricker (18. Maliu Niuafe, 43’-47’) (23. Erich Storti)
- Tommaso Boni
- Dom Besag
- Rufus McLean
- Mitch Wilson
Samoa Starting XV
- Aki Seiuli (17. Jarred Adams, 59’)
- Luteru Tolai (16. Ray Niuia, 63’)
- Michael Ala’alatoa (capt.)
- Ben Nee-Nee
- Michael Curry (19. Potu Leavasa, 59’)
- Olajuwon Noa
- Alamanda Motuga
- Iakopo Mapu (20. Abraham Papali’i, 65’)
- Connor Tupai (21. Melani Matavao, 65’)
- Rodney Iona (22. Christian Leali’ifano, 48’)
- Tuna Tuitama
- Henry Taefu
- Melani Nanai
- Elisapeta Alofipo
- Lolagi Visinia (23. Tomasi Alosio)
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, September 14
- Venue: DSG Park, Denver
- Kickoff: 12:30 local
- Weather: Sunny, 70°F (21°C), wind E 4-7 mph (7-11 km/h)
- Referee: Damián Schneider (Argentina)
- Assistants: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Craig Evans (Wales)
- TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)