DUBLINER AJ MACGINTY kicked 18 of USA’s 23 points as they got the better of Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup last night.
Six penalties from MacGinty’s boot gave the Eagles first blood, with the sides set to mee again in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup in September.
While Japan ultimately ended on the losing side, they did score the undisputed try of the day, with Akihito Yamada finishing off in the corner after the prefect training ground move.
The Japanese pack nudged forward slightly in the scrum, before it was fed to outhalf Harumichi Tatekawa, who played a quick switch with centre Ryohei Yamanaka.
Kotaro Matsushima’s line of running opened things up for the wide players, as they darted down the pitch to score in the corner.
It all came down to the Americans buying the line of Matsushima, although on another day it could have been called back for obstruction. A tough call.
But eventually, the USA Eagles pulled away, and as time ran out, Japanese frustrations boiled over, Michael Broadhurst getting yellow-carded by referee JP Doyle for this flying shoulder charge into a ruck, which was the final play of the game.
Doyle will hardly have an easier decision in his life.
The final round of pool games takes place on Wednesday in Toronto, as USA face Tonga, Fiji play Japan and Canada come up against Samoa.
He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)