USA captain explains why Eagles are ‘happy to be under pressure’

USA captain Jason Damm has explained why the Eagles are embracing high-pressure moments during the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, after overcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027-bound Zimbabwe 31-15 in Denver.

Both the territory and possession stats were split practically down the middle after an enthralling contest between two sides bound for next year’s showpiece event in Australia. The USA fought their way back from a half-time deficit, piling on 19 unanswered points in the second term.

Replacement Luke Carty came on for Chris Hilsnbeck with less than 20 minutes left, and the fly-half made a game-defining difference off the kicking tee. The Anthem Rugby Carolina playmaker helped the USA run away with the result by slotting three clutch kicks.

The Eagles were able to get it done on both sides of the ball, holding off a physical Sables outfit at American Legion Memorial Stadium. They didn’t lead by more than a converted try until the 72^nd minute, when Carty knocked over the second penalty goal.

Following a nail-biting one-point win against Portugal last weekend, the USA have again dug deep to keep their unbeaten Nations Cup start alive. It’s also the first time the Eagles have beaten the Sables, with this being the first Test between the sides.

“For us, we’re sort of happy to be under pressure, as weird as that sounds,” Damm said post-game on the broadcast, which you can watch on RugbyPass TV HERE.

“We love a pretty win, obviously, but they’re called Tests for a reason. They’re to keep testing this squad and keep building our connections and really grit and fight to be able to go the distance in a tough game.

“We’d like maybe to have it a bit smoother but we’ll keep building.”

Wingers Conner Mooneyham and Perry Mayo touched down for a try each in the first six minutes, as the USA got off to a dream start. But then, the match’s momentum swung drastically, as the visitors clawed their way back into the fight.

Zimbabwe hit back with two tries of their own, before Bruce Houston’s accurate goal-kicking saw the Sables lead for the first time. It was a three-point ball game at half-time, leaving the USA with plenty to do as they trailed.

But the second half was a masterclass from the Eagles, as they put on 19 unanswered points to seal the result. Australian-born second rower Nathan Den Hoedt and openside Cory Daniel both got on the scoresheet, but ill-discipline remains a talking point for the side.

“We came out hot and then we were on the wrong side of the discipline for the end of the first half and we really felt that, we felt a lot of pressure from Zimbabwe,” Damm reflected.

“When they get in your end, they’re brutal, so they’re very physical and they get over top of you.

“We knew if we could control the territory a bit more and control our discipline we’d have a better result.”

USA coach Scott Lawrence spoke at a press conference this week about the importance of improved performances for the team, as they continue to charge towards a Rugby World Cup return at next year’s event.

The USA have been drawn in Pool E alongside reigning Six Nations champions France, Nations Championship outfit Japan, and Nations Cup side Samoa. Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain – the USA’s three Nations Cup opponents this July – are also set for top-level matchups.

“World Cups are never easy. Everyone’s going to be playing their A-game.

“There’s going to be a lot of energy swings. You’ve got to be able to take those on, feel it and then reverse it and come out the other side.”