Defiant Eagles keep heads high

USA enjoyed a dip at a New Plymouth pool on Monday morning, eager to relax some sore muscles after Sunday’s opener against Ireland.

Despite having lost 22-10, captain Todd Clever was proud of his team’s performance.

“I thought we played really well, and played with a lot of heart,” said Clever. “The boys brought that attitude and we didn’t want to let in any easy tries. I’m very proud of the guys, the way they were able to do that.”

The USA defended stoutly until the very end and were rewarded in the last minute when centre Paul Emerick intercepted a Ronan O’Gara pass to score under the posts.

“They had the same move they actually scored on (earlier),” said Emerick. “So they got me once on it, (but then) I saw the same kind of set-up on that last little play and just read it.

"I knew they had that in their bag of plays. It was first time bad read, second time good read.”

USA have just four days to recover before they face Russia on 15 September.

Both sides will be desperate for victory as the match - dubbed tongue-in-cheek “clash of the superpowers” by the local press - might be their only chance to score a win at Rugby World Cup 2011, with Australia, Ireland and Italy the other teams in Pool C.

Injury free

The Eagles were fortunate to emerge from the Ireland match with no injuries, and Emerick said they are ready for another bruising encounter against Russia.

“The big thing is, if you can defend hard, create some turnovers and some penalties and get some field goals or even some tries, that’s a huge thing,” he said.

The team would definitely work on their performance in the scrum after struggling against Ireland, Clever said.

“We’re having trouble there. It’s maybe the timing. We got beat by the hit a few times. I’m not too sure, it’s definitely something we have to focus on - that and some of the other set-pieces.

“They (Russia) are a big side and it’s definitely one of the things we need to nail down, to make sure we win our own ball and get possession.”

A veteran of three Rugby World Cups, Emerick also had some simple advice for his teammates.

“Fire in your hearts and keep a cool head,” he said.