GRR: National Teams
Losing out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup perhaps hasn't sunk in on USA fans, but following the 16-16 tie with Portugal the players tried to offer some perspective.
"I think we all knew what we were going against," said USA prop David Ainu'u. "We knew it was going to be a tough battle. It was tough but the boys did a good job moving onto the next job. It is what it is."
The USA will not be playing in Rugby World Cup 2023.
The Eagles tied Portugal in Dubai in the Final Qualifier Tournament, and with Portugal having the better Points Difference in the series of games, it is the Portuguese Lobos who will go to France, not the USA.
USA Men's 15s Hed Coach Gary Gold has made a couple of changes for his lineup as the Eagles face Portugal Friday in Dubai for the final spot in Rugby World Cup 2023.
It's winner take all as both Portugal and the USA are 2-0 in the Final Qualifier Tournament.
Portugal and USA set up a Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament decider after both teams made it two wins from two at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
Portugal Routs KenyaOs Lobos opened match-day two with a comfortable 85-0 win against Kenya, before the men’s Eagles beat Hong Kong 49-7 in Dubai on Saturday.
Patience may well be the key tool in the USA's toolbox this weekend.
Their forwards can win ball, win scrums, and use lineouts as a launching pad; they can defend; they can score tries through their backs and as a team ... but it could all come very slowly against Hong Kong. Goodness knows it came slowly against Kenya.