The USA’s defeat to Scotland by a margin of 42-7 last Friday at Audi Field in Washington DC signified the culmination of their summer series. Despite failing to secure a victory in either contest, the Eagles undoubtedly gleaned valuable insights from their 160 minutes on the pitch. Here, I present the five key takeaways from the Eagles’ performance.
Scotland’s Dominance in the Forward Line
In their previous outing, Gregor Townsend’s Scotland side demonstrated their prowess by racking up an impressive 11 tries against Canada. In their clash with the USA, a different Scotland team continued their forward dominance by notching six tries. The Eagles struggled to counter Scotland’s lineout drives, resulting in multiple tries. Furthermore, the Eagles conceded penalties in kickable positions, further amplifying Scotland’s advantage.
Tommaso Boni’s Try Offers Hope
Tommaso Boni’s try in the 32nd minute served as a bright spot for the Eagles in an otherwise challenging match. Despite being a player down and already trailing by three tries, the Eagles exhibited their perseverance by effectively executing an attack from a scrum, culminating in Boni’s try.
Canada’s Win Over Romania
In a separate fixture, Canada secured a 35-22 victory over Romania. This triumph showcased Canada’s resilience and energy, especially following their 22-20 win against the Eagles in a previous match. In comparison, Canada’s success underscored the missed opportunity for the USA to secure a victory against Romania in their earlier encounter.
Strong Home Support for Rugby
The bout between USA and Scotland attracted an impressive crowd of 17,418 at Audi Field, indicative of a robust support base for the sport in the USA. The escalating attendance at rugby fixtures mirrors the evolving landscape of the game in the country. Additionally, hosting matches in more intimate venues fosters a sense of exclusivity and heightens the overall appeal of the sport.
Rugby’s Presence in Washington DC
The visit of the Rugby World Cup trophy to the Capitol brought to the forefront the heightened visibility of the sport in Washington DC. The Eagles were received at Congress, where 70 representatives from across the country convened for a Host City Summit. This gathering reignited discussions regarding the potential to host Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033.
In conclusion, the USA vs Scotland rugby showdown yielded valuable insights for the Eagles, notwithstanding the outcome. The match not only showcased Scotland’s proficiency but also underscored the potential growth of rugby in the USA. As the sport continues to gain traction, it presents promising opportunities for future development.