‘Foundation’ for Rugby World Cup: USA make winning Nations Cup start

The USA are off to a winning start in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, overcoming Portugal 30-29 in a classic Test on Saturday. As USA captain Jason Damm reflected on post-game, it gives the team more to build on 15 months out from Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

Chris Hilsenbeck was ultimately the hero for the home side at Denver’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, producing a game-defining 15-point haul. But the playmaker’s crowning moment was a clutch penalty in the 78^th minute, which saw the home side regain a lead they wouldn’t surrender.

Backrowers Cory Daniel and Paddy Ryan scored one try each as the USA recorded a confidence-building win over a side placed two spots above them on the World Rugby rankings, with Portugal sitting just behind Georgia in 14^th spot.

When the full-time siren sounded, you could see the emption on the faces of the players and the fans at the Denver venue. In the all-new competition, the USA are 1-0 before hosting Zimbabwe and Spain in the coming weeks.

“It’s just awesome. This crowd out here on the fourth of July wearing the red, white and blue, man, incredible,” Damm said post-game.

“The boys put in a lot of fight and that’s all we could ask. It’s a great way to start this Nations Cup campaign.”

Manuel Cardoso Pinto was the star of the show for Portugal, touching down for the opener inside the first minute. That was the winger’s first of four tries, with those efforts seeing Os Lobos take the lead on more than one occasion.

But ill-discipline hurt Portugal, with Manuel Vareiro and Pedro Vincente shown 20-minute red cards, and Martim Belo was sent to the sin bin at one stage. The USA made the most of the player advantages they had, scoring after each of those cards were shown.

The USA finished ahead in both the possession and territory battles, remaining composed and clinical when it really mattered. In the opening match of the Nations Cup, they have beaten a side that delivered the Cinderella story of the last Rugby World Cup.

Portugal defeated Fiji three years ago and the European outfit has qualified for next year’s event in Australia. The USA have also punched their ticket to the Rugby World Cup, which is now less than 15 months away.

“Portugal is a great side and they definitely showed us some stuff we have to work on and we’re going to keep building,” Damm reflected.

“I think we showed our foundation tonight and we can use that foundation, just keep building and growing to that World Cup.”