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Misery continues for the USA. The North Americans are 0-3 at the Junior World Trophy in Nairobi, Kenya. The Eagles fell to a 38-37 loss against Zimbabwe on Tuesday. It follows losses against Scotland and Uruguay in earlier matches in the tournament.
The winless campaign thus far represents a downward spiral. The USA u20 side were well-beaten by Scotland but had been competitive early on. The Eagles were competitive against both Uruguay and Zimbabwe and could well have won both matches. The failure to do so will certainly be scrutinized.
The USA looked to be on track to beat the Africans. Fullback Rand Santos put the Eagles in a winning position but Zimbabwe fought back for two tries in the final ten minutes. Replacements Brendan Marume and Shadreck Mandaza broke USA hearts and gave the Junior sables victory.
After scoring the try, Mandaza landed the conversion to secure a one-point victory. It was a notable comeback story. Yet, the Junior Sables’ fight-back occurred in both halves. The USA had been 14-0 in the opening quarter while Zimbabwe then led by five points early-on in the second half.
Benoni Nhekairo kicked Zimbabwe into a good position in the 48th minute. From there came another turning-point in the contest. Hayden McKay scored his second try for the USA before Cline landed three penalties in quick succession.
Once again the result was not confirmed. Zimbabwe fought back again. A quickly taken penalty saw Marume over for the first of his two tries. Santos then responded for the Junior Eagles before Zimbabwe finished strongly to deny the USA at the death.
The teams will be back on the field in five days time. The final match day of the Junior World Trophy will see the USA in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon against Hong Kong.
