‘The Eagles have the ingredients’: Why USA can win the Nations Cup

November offers nations one final opportunity to finish the year on a high. Perhaps none need it more than the USA Eagles.

If confidence could be injected into a team at the perfect moment, now would be the time. With a Rugby World Cup just ten months away, the Eagles desperately need to rediscover their winning feeling.

From my days in a USA jersey, November tours brought the ultimate challenge of facing seasoned European nations, already well into their domestic seasons and playing in their own backyard. This Eagles side faces a similar challenge in the final three rounds of the Nations Cup, although their European tour begins against Asian opposition.

First up is 24th-ranked Hong Kong China in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, followed by 21st-ranked Romania, a familiar opponent against whom the USA have enjoyed success. Then comes potentially their toughest test of all against 13th-ranked Georgia in Tbilisi, where the Eagles will be looking to end a 13-year wait for victory.

The Eagles enter November ranked 15th in the world. While the Nations Cup offers optimism following three victories on home soil in July, performances since have told a different story.

For head coach Scott Lawrence, an aggregate 113-13 defeat across two matches against Australia XV last month makes uncomfortable reading, particularly following defeats to Japan and northern neighbours Canada in September’s Pacific Nations Cup.

There is, however, important context.

Injuries and unavailability have plagued the Eagles since July, with now 21 members of the Elite Playing Squad unavailable for November. Lawrence has consequently been forced to stress-test his squad, offering valuable opportunities to players who could have significant roles at next year’s World Cup.

Eagles supporters should recognise that recent frustrations will only fuel the desire to improve. There are problems that aren’t rocket science to fix, and individuals who must step up.

I genuinely believe that if the Eagles address those areas, they have every chance of lifting the Nations Cup trophy later this month.

Defensive improvements and reducing the turnover count are obvious necessities, but arguably the biggest area to shore up, following the Australia XV series and even dating back to the PNC, is the inconsistency at set piece.

If there’s one thing I remember about playing in places like Bucharest and Tbilisi in November, it’s that you need a strong platform.

The lineout became far too easy for Australia XV to disrupt, gifting possession and opportunities to dangerous opposition. Turnovers mounted, and the Eagles were repeatedly punished.

Effort was never lacking, particularly in desperate defensive situations, but there’s only so long you can chase your own tail before the pressure becomes overwhelming. Last Friday, half of Australia’s points arrived in the final 12 minutes.

Lawrence knows this better than anyone.

“You’ve got to win your set piece… if you give them the ball enough times, they’re going to score,” he admitted in the post-match press conference following the New Jersey encounter.

Dan Perrin is hopefully the man who can fix that.

The Crusaders forwards coach, who has helped deliver two Super Rugby Pacific titles since joining in 2023, has been brought into the Eagles setup for October and November. His immediate challenge is restoring reliability to a forward platform struggling for consistency.

One player I believe could be central to that improvement is Chicago Hounds second-row Nathan den Hoedt.

At six-foot-six and 255 pounds, den Hoedt brings physical presence and experience, having helped operate Major League Rugby’s best lineout in 2026. Since becoming USA eligible last summer, he has emerged as an important option alongside captain Jason Damm.

For years, the Eagles have struggled to replace the influence of established forwards such as Greg Peterson, Nick Civetta and Samu Manoa. With Sam Golla and Rhyno Redlinghuys also available, Lawrence has options, but finding consistency is crucial.

As a former back, I won’t pretend to dissect every technical reason behind the lineout struggles. Was it the call, the throw or the jumper? Take your pick.

Ultimately, the objective is simple: win possession, establish a platform and give your backs the opportunity to play.

That platform creates something the Eagles desperately need: control.

And control then comes from the half-backs.

There’s a question USA supporters have been asking since my time in the squad nearly a decade ago: who takes charge when AJ MacGinty isn’t available?

MacGinty hasn’t worn an Eagles jersey since last November. While the Bristol Bears playmaker remains an exceptional talent, the USA cannot continue relying on him as their only answer at fly-half heading into next year’s World Cup.

Chicago Hounds’ Chris Hilsenbeck has become Lawrence’s most trusted alternative.

The former German international helped guide Chicago to their maiden MLR Championship this year, finishing as the league’s third-highest points scorer and earning an honourable mention in the Team of the Season.

Since the MLR season concluded, Hilsenbeck has started five of the Eagles’ last seven matches. He’s also their leading Nations Cup points scorer, having kicked the late winner against Portugal in Denver on July 4.

I like the maturity and composure Hilsenbeck brings. He’s not necessarily a flashy playmaker, but he understands how to manage a game.

Unfortunately, he’ll be without his regular club and international half-back partner, Ruben de Haas, as the veteran scrum half hobbled off last Friday in New Jersey and will miss his chance to earn his 50th cap this year.

I particularly enjoyed watching the pair operate in July. Their kicking strategy was organised, purposeful and regularly helped the Eagles regain possession.

Some supporters dislike seeing the ball kicked away, but there’s an enormous difference between kicking with purpose and simply surrendering possession in pursuit of territory.

In European conditions, that distinction becomes even more important.

The Eagles’ kicking accuracy and game management haven’t fired recently. Without de Haas, Hilsenbeck must take greater responsibility for controlling territory, tempo and decision-making.

But what about when the Eagles have opportunities to attack?

Lawrence has recalled two exciting outside backs in Rufus McLean and Perry Mayo, both capable of providing the spark this team needs.

Neither has enjoyed substantial game time since July, with Mayo’s fitness particularly worth monitoring after suffering an injury playing for Nevers in August. Yet his early Eagles appearances in the July Nations Cup window demonstrated why supporters should be excited. His acceleration, footwork and willingness to attack defenders offer something different.

Alongside former Scotland international McLean, who represented Seattle Seawolves last season before moving to Stade Français, the Eagles possess genuine threats out wide.

Both can contribute significantly in the aerial contest, another area likely to prove important during November.

While defence and discipline remain obvious areas for improvement, if the forwards provide reliable possession, Hilsenbeck controls territory and those outside backs receive opportunities in space, the Eagles have the ingredients to trouble their remaining opponents.

And that’s why I’m optimistic.

It’s easy to focus on disappointing performances, but we shouldn’t forget this Nations Cup campaign began with three victories and genuine momentum.

The opportunity to rediscover that confidence remains.

With fewer dress rehearsals before the World Cup, performances and results carry increasing importance. November isn’t simply about finishing 2026 positively. It’s about establishing the standards, combinations and belief that will carry this team into 2027.

Having experienced the highs and lows of wearing an Eagles jersey myself, I know how quickly confidence can change within a squad.

Three strong performances, a few problems addressed and perhaps a trophy to show for it could make all the difference.

The Eagles have an opportunity to remind everyone, including themselves, what they’re capable of.