Scotland defeated the USA in the World Rugby U20 Trophy final in Edinburgh Wednesday, taking the championship game 48-10.
For the USA this game was a step up from the level of games they have been playing in recent years, and including this year, and it was a good lesson in the attention to detail needed to combat Tier 1 nations. The Junior Eagles ultimately recorded almost the exact same score against Scotland as did Japan a few days ago (their score was 46-10). It speaks to where this team sits in the world pecking order and it's not bad.
Scotland controlled the field position through most of the game. They were quick on the ball and their continuity was very strong. The USA held on after an early try to keep it at 5-0 until 27 minutes. Scotland scored twice late in the first half to lead 17-0.
The Americans got on the front foot early in the second half and that eventually led to a penalty goal from fullback Corbin Smith to make it 17-3. But any thoughts of a comeback were dispelled when the Scottish forwards swarmed over the ball and put hooker Jerry Blyth-Lfferty over.
