Scott Johnson's Frustration

[thunderchicken9]

USA Eagles 14 - Clairemont ASM 37. The score seems to say it all until you discover that the US was ahead 7-0 after 10 minutes of play. In those 10 minutes, the Eagles displayed good ball movement and precise decision-making on offense and stout defense, highlighted by some great tackling with their backs against ASM's try line. Unfortunately, the remainder of the first half of play, as well as the majority of the second, was marred by poor ball handling and pitiful set-pieces, particularly line-outs. Another sore point was our inability to convert penalty kicks, missing two... To ASM's credit, they fully capitalized on US mistakes, and remained aggressive, even when one man down. Additionally, ASM's squad fielded 12 capped players, indicating that this match was taken seriously on their part. Rugby fans here appreciate that fact. Their defense, which pressured the US into several mistakes, was a lesson in itself to the Eagles, who fielded a very young team. By fielding such a young side, Coach Johnson has sent a message to USA Rugby: No position is secure. What's passed is past. The coach seemed discouraged by his team's mistakes, but is apparently satisfied with their talent level. Hopefully the Eagles will eventually do Coach Johnson proud. They have a chance at redemption on 23 August as they take on Munster, again on home soil.

[welshrugbyfan]

USA Eagles 14 - Clairemont ASM 37. The score seems to say it all until you discover that the US was ahead 7-0 after 10 minutes of play. In those 10 minutes, the Eagles displayed good ball movement and precise decision-making on offense and stout defense, highlighted by some great tackling with their backs against ASM's try line. Unfortunately, the remainder of the first half of play, as well as the majority of the second, was marred by poor ball handling and pitiful set-pieces, particularly line-outs. Another sore point was our inability to convert penalty kicks, missing two... To ASM's credit, they fully capitalized on US mistakes, and remained aggressive, even when one man down. Additionally, ASM's squad fielded 12 capped players, indicating that this match was taken seriously on their part. Rugby fans here appreciate that fact. Their defense, which pressured the US into several mistakes, was a lesson in itself to the Eagles, who fielded a very young team. By fielding such a young side, Coach Johnson has sent a message to USA Rugby: No position is secure. What's passed is past. The coach seemed discouraged by his team's mistakes, but is apparently satisfied with their talent level. Hopefully the Eagles will eventually do Coach Johnson proud. They have a chance at redemption on 23 August as they take on Munster, again on home soil.

The USA boys were only in camp together for 4 days prior to the match where Clermont had been in the US for a good two weeks and they do play together all year round despite this being a pre season run. Hopefully the US will put a better performance in against the Irish powerhouse Munster.

Hopefully more than anything else they will get a referee that doesn't scream like the last one did.

It was good to see a decent enough crowd there and hopefully the game will continue to grow in the US and Canada. The quicker they can get club sides into the Super 14 and their national sides into an expanded tri nations the better.

[thunderchicken9]

"Hopefully more than anything else they will get a referee that doesn't scream like the last one did."

Well, that guy is a former US Marine, if that helps explain his attitude.. and haircut..

[AndyS]

If we don't get an ARC, maybe we just send our S14 teams all over. It maybe doesn't do rugby here as much good as a comp would, but throw your bread on the water...

[Thequeerone]

So they can do it - life of a coach heh !

Really good article - although critical you get the impression that the Eagles will come into their own sooner rather than never which has been the case for to long - well 1906 or whatever