Against ill-disciplined but optimistic USA
Stand-off AJ Macginty was the Americans’ star, playing a key role in skipper Chris Wyles’ first-half try and kicking six points. However, his missed conversion after Chris Baumann touched down under a heap of bodies late in the second half cost the USA a potential bonus point.
Coach Mike Tolkin was also left to rue the indiscipline which led to a costly penalty count against his side.
“One of the things in the plan is not to give away possession and in the first half we did that, and the penalty count contributed to that,” he said.
“With the pool being wide open after Saturday those bonus points could be important so it was disappointing not to take it.
“But there are positives. Chris Wyles’ try was outstanding and we were on the front foot a lot. We need to capitalise on that. Can we still make the quarterfinals? Absolutely. But we need to be more disciplined first and foremost. Our scrum and line-out weren’t operating so efficiently and we want to iron that out.” Scorers: Samoa: Tries: Nanai-williams, Treviranus. Pens: T. Pisi 4, Stanley. USA: Tries: Wyles, Baumann. Pens: Macginty 2. Samoa: Nanai-williams, K. Pisi, Perez, Lee-lo, A. Tuilagi, T. Pisi, Fotuali’i, Taulafo, Avei, Perenise, Paulo, Tekori, Faasavalu, Lam, Treviranus. Replacements: Autagavaia for A. Tuilagi (73), Stanley for T. Pisi (58), Johnston for Avei (53), Levave for Tekori (58), Faosiliva for Faasavalu (54). Not Used: Afatia, Matu’u, Afemai. USA: Scully, Ngwenya, Kelly, Palamo, Wyles, Macginty, Petri, Fry, Fenoglio, Lamositele, Smith, Peterson, Mcfarland, Durutalo, Manoa. Replacements: Thompson for Scully (55), Baumann for Lamositele (74), Dolan for Smith (51), Barrett for Peterson (58). Not Used: Thiel, Kilifi, S. Suniula, Niua.