The Eagles remained scoreless in Wellington after falling 29-0 to England in the second round of pool play.

USA kicked off to open the match, and opted to kick deep instead of contest for possession. Miles Craigwell led the early defensive charge, stifling England with multiple aggressive tackles.

The Eagles forced England into touch, but lost the ensuing lineout. England tipped it out of bounds, giving the Americans another chance at their first possession, but Shalom Suniula’s inbound pass was not straight, giving the ball back to the favorites.

England wouldn’t squander its second possession, as Mat Turner found a gaping hole in the middle of what looked like a tired American defense for a try.

England’s James Rodwell won the restart. It wasn’t until nearly five minutes into the match the Eagles got their first live-ball possession, which didn’t last long after Mike Palefau was pinged for bridging deep in USA’s territory. Christian Lewis-Pratt then scored a try, giving England a 12-0 halftime lead.

The second half was much more of the same, but the Eagles enjoyed a little more possession, as England was hit with multiple penalties. Chris Cracknell was yellow-carded for tackling American reserve Peter Tiberio off the ball, but the Eagles managed just one line break, by Zack Test, the entire match.

Outscored 50-0 through two games, the Eagles take on Cook Islands at 12:54am ET.


USA lineup
Starters
Mark Bokhoven
Mike Palefau
Miles Craigwell
Shalom Suniula
Zack Test
Colin Hawley
Roland Suniula

Played
Peter Tiberio
Garrett Bender
Folau Niua