DUBLINER AJ MACGINTY kicked 18 of USA’s 23 points as they got the better of Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup last night.
Six penalties from MacGinty’s boot gave the Eagles first blood, with the sides set to mee again in Pool B of the Rugby World Cup in September.
While Japan ultimately ended on the losing side, they did score the undisputed try of the day, with Akihito Yamada finishing off in the corner after the prefect training ground move.
The Japanese pack nudged forward slightly in the scrum, before it was fed to outhalf Harumichi Tatekawa, who played a quick switch with centre Ryohei Yamanaka.
Kotaro Matsushima’s line of running opened things up for the wide players, as they darted down the pitch to score in the corner.
It all came down to the Americans buying the line of Matsushima, although on another day it could have been called back for obstruction. A tough call.
But eventually, the USA Eagles pulled away, and as time ran out, Japanese frustrations boiled over, Michael Broadhurst getting yellow-carded by referee JP Doyle for this flying shoulder charge into a ruck, which was the final play of the game.
Doyle will hardly have an easier decision in his life.
The final round of pool games takes place on Wednesday in Toronto, as USA face Tonga, Fiji play Japan and Canada come up against Samoa.
