Eagles write history with Samoa victory

Will Hooley nailed a penalty goal in extra time to lead the US Eagles to their first ever win against Samoa. The final score read USA 30, Samoa 29, with the win taking the USA’s winning test streak up to nine.

A great start from the Eagles saw Joe Taufete’e continuing his amazing test career. The hooker from California went over in the 11th minute for his 13th test try. The have come in 17 test matches while the world record holder, Keith Wood (Ireland) scored 15 in 63 test matches.

Will Hooley landed the conversion to give the Eagles a 7-0 advantage. It was extended quickly as the Eagles secured a turn-over and got deep into Samoan territory. Pressure resulted in the Eagles winning a penalty which Hooley turned into three points.

The Eagles’ dream opening quarter was not over. Hanco Germishuys chased a kick through from Ruben de Haas to get the bounce and score. The conversion was missed but the Eagles were leading 15-0.

Samoa needed to wake up and they did so. The Pacific Islanders opened their account in the 28th minute. Veteran loose head prop Logovi’i Mulipola barged over for what was a converted try.

Three minutes later and Samoa were over for their second. Right winger Ed Fidow would make it a one-point match and it would remain as such until half time.

A horror start by the Eagles to the second half saw the lead fall thrown their hands. Will Magie was caught out of position enabling Samoa to stroll over for their third try.

A Cam Dolan special saw the Eagles over for the third try of their own. Following the restart the no 8 crossed for an intercept try. Hooley’s attempted conversion was off the mark which left the scores poised at 21-20.

Samoa would strike yet again with Melani Matavao touching down. The score would punish the Eagles for again not being able to cleanly secure kick-off ball. With the conversion sailing wide Samoa was six points ahead.

Fortunate continued to favor the brave in the match. This time around it worked in favor of the Eagles with center Paul Lasike intercepting putting the Eagles deep into Samoan territory. An error saw a missed opportunity though the Eagles were far from out of it.

A missed penalty from Hooley would be followed by a successful one. With it the Eagles had the lead back, albeit by just a single point.

With seven minutes remains Samoa would reclaim the lead through a penalty of their own. It came with Nick Civetta adjudged to be offside.

At the other end of the field Samoa were having discipline problems. It saw the Eagles setting up for the killer strike. With the forwards driving back Samoa a penalty resulted from which Hooley slotted the match winner.

With history made the USA Eagles now travel east to Bucharest. They take-on Romania next Saturday while Samoa face Georgia in Tbilisi.

 

SCORING

USA 30
Tries – J. Taufete’e (11’), H Germishuys (18’), C. Dolan 2 (36’, 68’)
Cons – W. Hooley 2/4 (12’, 69’)
Pens – W. Hooley 2/3 (16’, 80’)

SAMOA 29
Tries – L. Mulipola (26’), E. Fidow (31’), M. Matavao (33’), J. Taulagi (41’)
Cons – T. Pisi 3/4 (27’, 32’, 34’)
Pens – D. Leuila 1/1 (71’)

 

TEAMS

USA
1 Titi Lamositele (18 David Ainu’u 62′), Joe Taufete’e, 3 Paul Mullen (17 Dino Waldren 73′), 4 Greg Peterson, 5 Nick Civetta, 6 Hanco Germishuys (20 Psalm Wooching 67′), 7 Tony Lamborn, 8 Cam Dolan (19 David Tameilau 75′), 9 Ruben de Haas (21 Devereaux Ferris 58′), 10 Will Hooley, 11 Ryan Matyas (23 Tim Maupin 73′), 12 Paul Lasike, 13 Bryce Campbell, 14 Gannon Moore, 15 Blaine Scully (capt.) (22 Will Magie 31′)

Not used: 16 Dylan Fawsitt

SAMOA
1 Logovi’i Mulipola (17 Jordan Lay 62′), 2 Motu Matu’u (16 Ray Niuia 58′), 3 Paul Alo-Emile (18 James Lay 62′), 4 Kane Leaupepe (19 Ben Nee Nee 62′), 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Josh Tyrell, 6 Jack Lam (capt.), 8 Faifili Levave (20 Jacob Mapu 67′), 9 Melani Matavao (21 Dwayne Polataivao 62′), 10 Tusi Pisi (22 D’Angelo Leuila 70′), 11 JJ Taulagi, 12 Alapati Leuia, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 14 Ed Fidow (23 Stacey Ili 67′), 15 Ahsee Tuala

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)
Assistants: Pierre Brousset (France) & Iñigo Atorrasagasti (Spain)
TMO: Philippe Bonhoure (France)