The kicking game and managing the wind are key work-ons for the USA as they prepare for Round 2 of the WXV this weekend in South Africa.
Correspondent Hanno Van Vuuren, who provides professional rugby analysis for a variety of rugby teams in the USA, has some insight into where the Eagles succeeded, and where they didn't.
The Geography
Stellenbesch University's rugby fields are situated at the foot of a small group of mountains, and those mountains affect the wind. In the USA vs Samoa game the wind was coming between the mountains and swirling around un predictably. For the most part the Eagles played with the wind in the first half and played against the wind in the second half.
Positives 1st Half
The Eagles ran a strong tempo in their game, ran an effective maul, and their pick-and-go game also produced meters. They were 8-for-9 on lineouts in the first half, but only set up the maul twice. Defensively the USA structure handled the big Samoans carriers, putting two defenders into contact and not giving up too much territory.
Debutante center Mata Hingano was indeed as good as the scoresheet indicates, as she also set up tries and continually broke through.
Areas of Concern
The USA kicking, especially finding touch, was an issue. They missed three kicks to touch—whether that was because of trying to gain too much distance or not handling the wind right we aren't sure.
