Second half blitz sees USA home in Chile AMERICAS CUP

SIX tries in the second half propelled the US Eagles to a 57-9 win in Chile yesterday.

A scrappy beginning saw the hosts frustrate their guests leaving the half-time score a reasonably close 17-6 but the final half-hour of the match was thoroughly dominated by the visitors to seal another blowout victory.

Ben Cima put the Americans in the lead after five minutes with a penalty goal, but it would be a dozen minutes before further points from either side would be conceded.

Francisco González Moller levelled the score with his first attempt from the tee, but collecting the ball deep in his own half, Shaun Davies chipped ahead and the rebound off the turf went straight to Bryce Campbell.

Quick hands to the left flank put the ball in Cam Dolan’s hands and the longstriding No.8 galloped over the line untouched from 40 meters out.

González Moller landed a second penalty, but the Eagles started to hit their stride and after sustained pressure Tony Lamborn crossed from close range.

Cima’s second conversion was the last points of the half with the USA looking slightly frustrated by the Chilean defense.

The second half started badly for the USA, with Chile nearly scoring and Campbell sent to the bin after playing the ball in an off-side position. Los Cóndores couldn’t get the try but a third penalty from González Moller reduced the gap to just eight points.

That would be all she wrote for Chile, however, as replacement David Tameilau rumbled over just two minutes later to spark a rampant run-in to the finish line.

It was Tameilau again in the act next, charging down a drop goal attempt from González Moller and showing brilliant hands to regather and pop the ball to a charging Matt Jensen.

Todd Clever raced in before limping off with a hamstring injury and then the wheels fell off the Condores wagon completely in the final five minutes as Lamborn got his second and Peter Malcom crossed twice in two minutes to take the Eagles over the half-century.