United States at the Rugby World Cup
The United States national rugby union team has played in all but two Rugby World Cups since the inaugural tournament in 1987. The USA is the second strongest national rugby side in North America, and the third strongest in the Americas after Argentina and Canada.
The U.S. has played in eight World Cups from the inaugural 1987 tournament to the 2019 tournament—all but the 1995 and 2023 World Cups. The team's best result so far has been to win one game—which they accomplished in 1987, 2003, and 2011.
Summary of results by tournament edit
| Year | Round | Played | Won | Lost | PF | PA | PD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Pool | 3 | 1 | 2 | 39 | 99 | –60 | |
| 1991 | Pool | 3 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 113 | –89 | |
| 1995 | Did not qualify | |||||||
| 1999 | Pool | 3 | 0 | 3 | 52 | 135 | –83 | |
| 2003 | Pool | 4 | 1 | 3 | 86 | 125 | –39 | |
| 2007 | Pool | 4 | 0 | 4 | 61 | 142 | –81 | |
| 2011 | Pool | 4 | 1 | 3 | 38 | 122 | –84 | |
| 2015 | Pool | 4 | 0 | 4 | 50 | 156 | –106 | |
| 2019 | Pool | 4 | 0 | 4 | 52 | 156 | –104 | |
| 2023 | Did not qualify | |||||||
| Total | – | 29 | 3 | 26 | 402 | 1,048 | –646 | |
Summary of results by opponent edit
| Against | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Australia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| England | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| France | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Scotland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Ireland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fiji | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Samoa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Italy | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tonga | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Romania | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Japan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 67 |
| Russia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Argentina | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 29 | 3 | 26 | 0 | 10.3% |
Notes:
- Results current through end of 2019 Rugby World Cup.
- The US has never played Wales or Canada in a RWC, even though those two teams have played in every RWC.
- Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, and Portugal are the other seven nations that have yet to play the USA at the Rugby World Cup that have previously qualified.
Qualifying edit
The U.S. has qualified for every World Cup, except for the 1995 and 2023 tournaments.
| RWC | Record [l 1] | Defeated | Lost to | Qualifying method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | — | No qualifying competition; all 16 participating nations were invited. | ||
| 1991 | 1–3 | Canada (14–12) | Argentina (6–13, 6–23); Canada (3–21) | Finished third of three teams in Americas qualifying. |
| 1995 | 1–2 | Bermuda (60–3) | Argentina (22–28, 11–16) | Failed to qualify: Lost to Argentina 44–33 in a two-game series. |
| 1999 | 1–2 | Uruguay (21–16) | Argentina (24–52); Canada (14–31) | Finished third in Americas qualifying by defeating Uruguay 21–16. |
| 2003 | 2–4 | Uruguay (28–24); Chile (35–22) | Canada (9–26, 13–36); Chile (13–21); Uruguay (9–10) | Finished ahead of Chile to qualify for the repechage; Defeated Spain 120–26 in a two-game series in the repechage. |
| 2007 | 3–1 | Uruguay (42–13, 33–7); Barbados (91–0) | Canada (7–56) | Defeated Uruguay 75–20 in a two-game series. |
| 2011 | 3–1 | Uruguay (27–22, 27–6); Canada (12–6) | Canada (18–41) | Defeated Uruguay 54–28 in a two-game series. |
| 2015 | 1–2–1 | Uruguay (32–13) | Canada (9–27, 11–13) | Defeated Uruguay 59–40 in a two-game series. |
| 2019 | 1–0–1 | Canada (52–16) | Defeated Canada 80–44 in a two-game series. | |
| 2023 | 5–3–1 | Failed to qualify: Finished second in cross-regional playoff. |
| Opponent | Played | Won | Lost | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 10 | 2 | 8 | 20% |
| Uruguay | 8 | 7 | 1 | 88% |
| Argentina | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0% |
| Chile | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50% |
- Notes
- ^ Format is Win-Loss, or in the case of draws, Win-Loss-Draw.
Rugby World Cup hosting edit
So far the USA has not hosted any Rugby World Cup games, and no Rugby World Cups have been held in the Americas. The United States is, however, interested in pursuing a bid, possibly a joint bid with Canada, to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.[1]
Team RWC records edit
- Most points scored in a single tournament: 86 (2003)
- Most points scored in a single match: 39 (39–26 vs. Japan in 2003)
- Largest margin of victory: 13 (39–26 vs. Japan in 2003)
Player RWC records edit
Career edit
Updated: October 12, 2015.
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Updated: October 12, 2015.
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Updated: October 12, 2015.
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Tries scored edit
The following table shows all U.S. players that have scored two or more tries in their World Cup career, plus all active players who have scored at least one World Cup try.
| Player | Tries | ’87 | ’91 | ’95* | ’99 | ’03 | ’07 | ’11 | ’15 | ’19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Wyles | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
| Taku Ngwenya | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||||||
| Kort Schubert | 3 | 3 | ||||||||
| Ray Nelson | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||||||
| Mike Te'o | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Blaine Scully | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Louis Stanfill | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Mike Hercus | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Riaan van Zyl | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Mike Purcell | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| Titi Lamositele | 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| Bryce Campbell | 1 | 1 |
Note: The U.S. failed to qualify for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
- Most penalties scored: Mike Hercus, 15 (2003 & 2007)
Single tournament edit
- Most points in a single tournament: Mike Hercus, 51 (2003)
- Most tries in a single tournament: Kort Schubert, 3 (2003)
Individual tournaments: 1987 to present edit
1987 Rugby World Cup edit
Pool 1 games
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 41 | +67 | 18 | 6 | Knockout stage |
| England | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 100 | 32 | +68 | 15 | 4 | |
| United States | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 39 | 99 | −60 | 5 | 2 | |
| Japan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 48 | 123 | −75 | 7 | 0 |
| 24 May 1987 |
| 31 May 1987 |
| Australia | 47–12[4][5] | United States |
| Try: Leeds (2) Penalty try Campese Smith Slack Papworth Codey Con: Lynagh (6) Pen: Lynagh | Try: Nelson Con: Nelson Pen: Nelson Drop: Horton |
| Ballymore, Brisbane Attendance: 10,855 Referee: Brian Anderson (Scotland) |
| 3 June 1987 |
| England | 34–6[6][7] | United States |
| Try: Winterbottom (2) Harrison Dooley Con: Webb (3) Pen: Webb (4) | Try: Purcell Con: Nelson |
| Concord Oval, Sydney Attendance: 8,785 Referee: Kerry Fitzgerald (Australia) |
1991 Rugby World Cup edit
Pool 1 games
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 95 | 39 | +56 | 6 |
| England | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 85 | 33 | +52 | 4 |
| Italy | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 57 | 76 | −19 | 2 |
| United States | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 113 | −89 | 0 |
| 1991-10-05 |
| Italy | 30–9 | United States |
| Tries: Barba, Francescato, Vaccari, Gaetaniello Con: Dominguez (4) Pen: Dominguez (2) | Tries: Swords Con: Williams Pen: Williams |
| Cross Green, Otley Referee: Owen Doyle (Ireland) |
| 1991-10-08 |
| New Zealand | 46–6 | United States |
| Tries: Wright (3), Earl, Purvis, Timu, Tuigamala, Innes Con: Preston (4) Pen: Preston (2) | Pen: Williams (2) |
| Kingsholm, Gloucester Attendance: 12,000 Referee: Efraim Sklar (Argentina) |
| 1991-10-11 |
| England | 37–9 | United States |
| Tries: Underwood (2), Carling, Skinner, Heslop Con: Hodgkinson (4) Pen: Hodgkinson (3) | Tries: Nelson Con: Williams Pen: Williams |
| Twickenham, London Referee: Les Peard (Wales) |
1995 Rugby World Cup edit
Did not qualify.
The Americas were allotted only two teams for the 1995 tournament. Canada automatically qualified, by virtue of reaching the quarterfinals of the 1991 tournament. Only 1 place remained for the Americas qualifying, to be decided by the winner of the home-and-away series between the US and Argentina (the winner of the Americas South bracket) in 1994. In that series, the US lost their home match 22-28, and also lost their away match 11-16. With the 2-0 record and 44-33 aggregate score, Argentina secured the final qualifying spot for the Americas.
1999 Rugby World Cup edit
Pool E games
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 135 | 31 | +104 | 9 |
| Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 100 | 45 | +55 | 7 |
| Romania | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 50 | 126 | −76 | 5 |
| United States | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 52 | 135 | −83 | 3 |
| 1999-10-02 |
| Ireland | 53–8 | United States |
| Tries: Keith Wood (4), Brian O'Driscoll, Justin Bishop, Penalty try Con: David Humphreys (4) Eric Elwood (2) Pen: David Humphreys (2) | Report | Tries: Kevin Dalzell Pen: Kevin Dalzell |
| Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 30,000 Referee: Joel Dume (France) |
| 1999-10-09 |
| United States | 25–27 | Romania |
| Tries: Kurt Shuman, Brian Hightower, Dan Lyle Con: Kevin Dalzell (2) Pen: Kevin Dalzell (2) | Tries: Alin Petrache, Gheorghe Solomie, Tudor Constantin Con: Petre Mitu (2) Pen: Petre Mitu |
| Lansdowne Road, Dublin Referee: Jim Fleming (Scotland) |
| 1999-10-14 |
| Australia | 55–19 | United States |
| Tries: Scott Staniforth (2), Chris Latham, Chris Whitaker, Michael Foley, Matthew Burke, Stephen Larkham, Tiaan Straaus Con: Matthew Burke (5), Joe Roff Pen: Matthew Burke | Tries: Juan Grobler Con: Kevin Dalzell Pen: Kevin Dalzell (4) |
| Thomond Park, Limerick Referee: Andre Watson (South Africa) |
2003 Rugby World Cup edit
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | BP | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 204 | 70 | +134 | 4 | 20 | Quarter-finals |
| Scotland | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 102 | 97 | +5 | 2 | 14 | |
| Fiji | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 98 | 114 | −16 | 2 | 10 | |
| United States | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 86 | 125 | −39 | 2 | 6 | |
| Japan | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 79 | 163 | −84 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003-10-15 |
| Fiji | 19–18 | United States |
| Tries: Naevo Con: Little Pen: Little (4) | Tries: van Zyl, Schubert Con: Hercus Pen: Hercus (2) |
| Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 30,990 Referee: Joël Jutge (France) |
| 2003-10-20 |
| Scotland | 39–15 | United States |
| Tries: Danielli (2), Kerr, Townsend, Paterson Con: Paterson (4) Pen: Paterson (2) | Pen: Hercus (5) |
| Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 46,796 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) |
| 2003-10-27 |
| Japan | 26–39 | United States |
| Tries: Kurihara, Ohata Con: Kurihara (2) Pen: Kurihara (4) | Tries: Hercus, Eloff, Schubert, van Zyl, Khasigian Con: Hercus (4) Pen: Hercus (2) |
| Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford Attendance: 19,653 Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand) |
| 2003-10-31 |
| France | 41–14 | United States |
| Tries: Liebenberg (3), Poux, Bru Con: Merceron (2) Pen: Merceron (3) Drop: Yachvili | Tries: Hercus, Schubert Con: Hercus (2) |
| WIN Stadium, Wollongong Attendance: 17,833 Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand) |
Mike Hercus was the leading points scorer for the United States - and 7th leading scorer among all players - with 51 points (2 tries, 9 penalties, 7 conversions).
2007 Rugby World Cup edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | B | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 189 | 47 | +142 | 3 | 19 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2011 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | England | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 108 | 88 | +20 | 2 | 14 | |
| 3 | Tonga | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 89 | 96 | −7 | 1 | 9 | Eliminated, automatic qualification for 2011 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | Samoa | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 69 | 143 | −74 | 1 | 5 | |
| 5 | United States | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 61 | 142 | −81 | 1 | 1 |
| 8 September 2007 18:00 |
| England | 28–10 | United States |
| Tries: Robinson 35' m Barkley 40+' c Rees 49' c Con: Barkley (2/3) Pen: Barkley (3/3) 7', 22', 31' | Report | Tries: Moeakiola 74' c Con: Hercus (1/1) Pen: Hercus (1/1) 9' |
| Stade Félix Bollaert, Lens Attendance: 36,755 Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) |
| 12 September 2007 14:00 |
| United States | 15 – 25 | Tonga |
| Tries: MacDonald 47' m Stanfill 67' c Con: Hercus (1/2) Pen: Hercus (1/2) 33' | Report | Tries: Maka 2' c Vaka 59' m Vaki 70' c Con: Hola (2/3) Pen: Hola (2/2) 7', 26' |
| Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier Attendance: 25,000 Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia) |
| 26 September 2007 20:00 |
| Samoa | 25–21 | United States |
| Tries: Fa'atau 5' m Tuilagi 9' c Thompson 37' c Con: Crichton (2/3) Pen: Crichton (2/2) 30', 72' | Report | Tries: Ngwenya 53' c Stanfill 79' m Con: Hercus (1/2) Pen: Hercus (3/4) 32', 65', 75' |
| Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne Attendance: 34,124 Referee: Wayne Barnes (England) |
| 30 September 2007 20:00 |
| South Africa | 64–15 | United States |
| Tries: Burger 10' c Steyn 28' c Habana (2) 35' c, 42' m van der Linde 48' c du Preez 54' c Fourie (2) 64' c, 73' c Smith 77' c Con: Montgomery (6/7) James (2/2) Pen: Montgomery (1/1) 17' | Tries: Ngwenya 39' c Wyles 51' m Con: Hercus (1/2) Pen: Hercus (1/1) 20' |
| Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier Attendance: 28,750 Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England) |
2007 Squad:
Forwards: Blake Burdette, Owen Lentz, Mike MacDonald, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Chris Osentowski, Jonathan Vitale, Luke Gross, Mike Mangan, Hayden Mexted, Alec Parker, Mark Aylor, Inaki Basauri, Todd Clever, Fifita Mounga, Louis Stanfill, Henry Bloomfield, Dan Payne
Backs: Chad Erskine, Mike Petri, Mike Hercus (C), Nese Malifa, Philip Eloff, Vahafolau Esikia, Thretton Palamo, Albert Tuipulotu, Paul Emerick, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Salesi Sika, Francois Viljoen, Chris Wyles
Head Coach: Peter Thorburn
In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the US joined England, Samoa, South Africa and Tonga in Pool A. The Eagles, ranked 13th in the world standings, lost all 4 games in Pool A, scoring 1 bonus point in the game against Samoa. Coached by New Zealander Peter Thorburn, the Eagles started off with tough match against the defending world champions England, losing 28–10. The US was then beaten by Tonga 25–15, lost to Samoa 25 – 21, and lost their final match to highly favored South Africa 64 – 15. The Eagles, however, had a major highlight in the South Africa match. After an interception and a pair of passes, Takudzwa Ngwenya sped down the sideline and outran Bryan Habana, arguably the fastest man in world rugby, to score a try that received Try of the Year honors at the 2007 IRB Awards.
2011 Rugby World Cup edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | B | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ireland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 135 | 34 | +101 | 15 | 1 | 17 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | Australia | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 173 | 48 | +125 | 25 | 3 | 15 | |
| 3 | Italy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 92 | 95 | −3 | 13 | 2 | 10 | Eliminated but qualified for 2015 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | United States | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 122 | −84 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
| 5 | Russia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 57 | 196 | −139 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| 11 September 2011 | Ireland | 22–10 | United States | Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth |
| 15 September 2011 | Russia | 6–13 | United States | Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth |
| 23 September 2011 | Australia | 67–5 | United States | Regional Stadium, Wellington |
| 27 September 2011 | Italy | 27–10 | United States | Trafalgar Park, Nelson |
Chris Wyles was the USA's leading scorer of the 2011 tournament with 18 points (1 try, 3 penalties, 2 conversions).
Mike Petri, Paul Emerick, and JJ Gagiano each scored 5 points (1 try) for the US.
30 Man Squad:
- Hooker: Chris Biller, Phil Thiel, Brian McClenahan
- Prop: Mike MacDonald, Mate Moeakiola, Shawn Pittman, Eric Fry
- Lock: Hayden Smith, John van der Giessen
- Loose: Todd Clever (c), Louis Stanfill, Nic Johnson, Scott LaValla, Patrick Danahy, JJ Gagiano, Inaki Basauri
- Scrumhalf: Mike Petri, Tim Usasz
- Flyhalf: Roland Suniula, Nese Malifa
- Center: Andrew Suniula, Paul Emerick, Tai Enosa, Junior Sifa
- Wing: Takudzwa Ngwyenya, James Paterson, Kevin Swiryn, Colin Hawley
- Fullback: Chris Wyles, Blaine Scully
The Eagles showed tremendous fight and power in their World Cup opening match against Ireland emotionally charged as the game coincided with the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The Irish came out strong but the Eagles were stiff in defense. The Irish suffered from poor goal kicking and were only able to gain a 3–0 lead before finally scoring their first try at the 39' mark to take a 10-0 half-time lead. The Irish came out more ready to play in the second half but still ran into stiff Eagles defense. Ultimately the Irish scored two more tries to give a final tally of 22 points. The Eagles succeeded in frustrating Irish expectations to gain a bonus point with a full strength squad and managed to post 10 points led by an interception try on full-time by Paul Emerick.[8]
The Eagles came into the World Cup with their measuring mark for success as being a win over Russia. The Eagles did not disappoint. Russia leaped out to an early 3–0 lead after a penalty goal from inside the 22 set up by a block on a Mike Petri box kick. The Americans took a 10–3 lead into the half after a break by Andrew Suniula set up a try for Mike Petri. The kicking duty fell upon Chris Wyles who capitalized on his first kick, a deep strike in poor conditions from the 10 meter line. Wyles was also successful on a conversion and with his last attempt at goal. He did, however, miss 3 kicks at goal and a drop goal. Russia would land once more on the board to snatch a bonus point from the match but fell to the final tally of USA 13–6 Russia.[9] Both Wyles and Mike MacDonald had amazing matches as McDonald scooped up the man of the match accolades.[10] The Eagles were absolutely dominant at the lineout winning 7 of Russia's 13 throws and winning all 12 of their own throws.[11] The win elevated the Eagles back up to 17th in the IRB rankings and dropped Russia one spot to 21st.
For their third match the Eagles trotted out a squad with 14 changes from the one that met Russia, ensuring that each player on the roster received a cap in the tournament. Australia got on the board early with tries at the 7- and 10-minute marks, but the Eagles answered with a JJ Gagiano try at the 22nd minute that cut the deficit to 10–5. Australia quickly responded with two more tries to take a 22–5 lead into the half along with clinching a bonus point. In the second half the Wallabies jumped on the Eagles leading to the final result of 67–5. This was the worst defeat a US team has ever suffered to Australia.[12]
The final match saw the Eagles playing for a 3rd-place finish in Pool C and an automatic qualification into the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Eagles faced Italy (the Azzurri) and the scoring began early by the Azzurri, but the Eagles struck back with a Chris Wyles try and conversion to level the match 7-7. The Italians struck quickly with their second try, and scored their third try on the stroke of halftime to lead 20-10 at the half. Italy focused their second-half efforts on scoring a fourth try and the bonus point. The US second-half defense held for 25 minutes, but after tremendous pressure by the Italian scrum - which Italy dominated all match - the Azzurri got their fourth try and the bonus point in the 65th minute. That try and conversion were the only points for the Azzurri in the second half.[13] The defeat marked the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the 2011 season for the Eagles.
2015 Rugby World Cup edit
U.S. summer preparations for the World Cup included four matches at the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup plus two additional World Cup warm-up matches. The U.S. earned three wins and three losses over these matches, with wins against Canada (twice) and Japan.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | T | B | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 176 | 56 | +120 | 23 | 4 | 16 | Advanced to the quarter-finals and qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup |
| 2 | Scotland | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 136 | 93 | +43 | 14 | 2 | 14 | |
| 3 | Japan | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 98 | 100 | −2 | 9 | 0 | 12 | Eliminated but qualified for 2019 Rugby World Cup |
| 4 | Samoa | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 69 | 124 | −55 | 7 | 2 | 6 | |
| 5 | United States | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 50 | 156 | −106 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 September 2015 | Samoa | 25–16 | United States | Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton |
| 27 September 2015 | Scotland | 39–16 | United States | Elland Road, Leeds |
| 7 October 2015 | South Africa | 64–0 | United States | Olympic Stadium, London |
| 11 October 2015 | United States | 18–28 | Japan | Kingsholm, Gloucester |
| World Rugby Rankings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rankings 10–20 as of 7 September 2015[14] | |||
| Rank | Change* | Team | Points |
| 10 | Scotland | 75.88 | |
| 11 | Tonga | 75.69 | |
| 12 | Samoa | 75.14 | |
| 13 | 1 | Japan | 72.06 |
| 14 | 1 | Italy | 70.53 |
| 15 | 1 | United States | 70.36 |
| 16 | 3 | Georgia | 69.36 |
| 17 | Romania | 66.28 | |
| 18 | Canada | 65.17 | |
| 19 | Uruguay | 62.11 | |
| 20 | Namibia | 61.85 | |
| The U.S. reached as high as 15th in the rankings in the buildup to the 2015 World Cup. | |||
At the World Cup, the U.S. lost its first match against Samoa 16–25. The Eagles suffered from ill discipline, committing 14 penalties (compared to 7 for Samoa); and from poor tackling, with a 79% tackle success rate and 29 missed tackles, (compared to Samoa's 86% tackle rate and 19 missed tackles).[15]
The team entered World Cup play with the highest hopes in years.[citation needed] The pool draw placed the Eagles alongside Japan, a team they had beaten earlier in the summer, Samoa, a team they've played well in the past, and Scotland. Scotland, though a tier 1 nation, had struggled in recent years. The last team was South Africa, a team that lost its first match of the World Cup to Japan. In their opening match against Samoa, the United States trailed 14–8 at the half, and ultimately fell 25–16, after finding tremendous difficulties at the lineout and in the scrum.[16]
Carrying a tough 0–1 start into the team's second match, the Eagles made history by claiming a first ever halftime lead over a tier 1 nation (13–6),[17] on the back of a strong showing in the scrum. The second half was less kind, as Scotland quickly overcame the deficit and pushed the final score well out of reach: Scotland 39, USA 16.[18]
With a winless campaign becoming a real possibility, the coaching staff chose a roster that drastically differed from the starters in the first two matches.[19][20] Against South Africa, the Eagles struggled early and were dominated in the scrum, but kept the match close at the break with South Africa holding a 14-point lead. In the second half, the Springboks blew the match open, running the match to 64–0. The defeat is the fifth largest in USA Rugby history and the largest in a World Cup.[21]
| Category | Player | Total | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carries | Samu Manoa | 57 | 2nd |
| Carries over the gain line | Samu Manoa | 26 | 4th |
| Turnovers made | Andrew Durutalo | 6 | 8th |
| Penalties scored | AJ MacGinty | 7 | 9th |
| Points scored | AJ MacGinty | 25 | 17th |
| Tackles made | Alastair McFarland | 37 | — |
Source: World Rugby Rank is as of the end of the pool stages, and does not include the knockout rounds.
2019 Rugby World Cup edit
| (1 BP) England | 45–7 | United States |
| Try: Ford 6' c Vunipola 25' c Cowan-Dickie 33' m Cokanasiga (2) 48' m, 76' c McConnochie 58' c Ludlam 67' c Con: Ford (5/7) 7', 26', 60', 68', 77' | Report | Try: Campbell 80+1' c Con: MacGinty (1/1) 80+2' |
| Kobe Misaki Stadium, Kobe Attendance: 27,194 Referee: Nic Berry (Australia) |
| (1 BP) France | 33–9 | United States |
| Try: Huget 6' c Raka 24' m Fickou 67' c Serin 70' c Poirot 79' c Con: Ramos (1/2) 8' Lopez (3/3) 68', 71', 80'+1 | Report | Pen: MacGinty (3/3) 19', 31', 65' |
| Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka Attendance: 17,660 Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand) |
| (1 BP) Argentina | 47-17 | United States |
| Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Kumagaya Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) |
| United States | 19-31 | Tonga |
| Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashiōsaka Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales) |
2023 Rugby World Cup edit
Did not qualify.
Finished second to Portugal in the cross-regional playoff.
See also edit
- Davies, Gerald (2004) The History of the Rugby World Cup, Sanctuary Publishing Ltd, (ISBN 1-86074-602-0)
- Farr-Jones, Nick, (2003). Story of the Rugby World Cup, Australian Post Corporation, (ISBN 0-642-36811-2)
References edit
- ^ United States contemplating bid for 2023 Rugby World Cup
- ^ Japan vs United States 1987 ESPN Scrum
- ^ Japan vs United States 1987 World Rugby
- ^ Australia vs United States RWC 1987 15 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine ESPN Scrum
- ^ Australia vs United States RWC 1987 World Rugby
- ^ worldrugby.org. "World Rugby | world.rugby". www.world.rugby. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
- ^ "England v United States of America". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
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