Today the United States fielded a the same side that played against England only four days earlier, altered only by Emerick’s suspension, and it showed against a well rested Tongan side. The fresh Tongan forwards drew first blood a scant two minutes into the match when Maka rolled the listless USA pack for a try. The Tongan forwards continued to roam the pitch winning ball at crucial points of contact, and setting the stage for Tongas 3/4’s to exploit midfield defenses throughout the first half. Tonga added a pair of penalties by Pierre Hola, and Mike Hercus, the Eagle’s gutsy first five, slotted a shot at thirty seven minutes to pull the score to Tonga 13, USA 3 at the half.
The second half began with some hitting as both teams appeared to have given an ear-holing by their respective coaching staffs. Tonga, protecting their lead chose to seagull offside consistently in the early minutes, and curiously were not carded for frequent professional fouls. USA Prop Mike Macdonald rumbled over seven minutes into the half for a try that was answered ten minutes later by Joseph Vaka. The second half substitution pattern mirrored that of the England game with Burdette, Moeakiola, and Basauri being brought on between 47 and 55 minutes perhaps illuminating thinness and fitness at the forward positions for the second match in row. The Eagles scored on a Louis Stanfil try and Hercus conversion to pull within 15 to 18 but a Vilami Vaka converted try minutes later sealed the Eagles fate.
At the end of the day it was not a good showing for an Eagle side that played on four days rest against a well prepared Tongan side. No excuses, full credit due to the Tongans for playing hard days ride of rugby. It looks as if it is now virtually predetermined that the Eagles will go 0-4 in this tournament. Perhaps forwards Coach Marty Wiggins should play with the unit composition like an alchemist to see if lead can be turned to gold.