HONG KONG CHINA 26-28 USA: Eagles soar after registering fourth straight win
Kaleb Geiger’s dramatic late try handed USA victory and maintained their 100 per cent winning start to the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 at Stade Marcel-Verchère in Bourg-en-Bresse, France.
The former wrestler came off the bench to barrel over from close range and tie the scores at 26-26 with just four minutes remaining before Christopher Hilsenbeck’s match-winning conversion.
USA captain Jason Damm beamed: “Ultimately it was our resolve that won us the game. There was continued belief that we could get the job done.”
Hong Kong China were not helped by two yellow cards and captain Joshua Hrstich said: “There’s frustration there because we know we’re good enough.
“USA and Georgia are the two form teams in this tournament and we pushed one of them right to the 80th minute. Obviously we’re disappointed but I’m really proud of the group and it was a massive step forward for us.”
Hong Kong China drew first blood when centre Marcus Ramage charged down a kick from USA full-back Perry Mayo before collecting possession and grounding the ball.
Mayo soon atoned for his part in that opening try by getting on the scoresheet himself to draw the Eagles level. He showed impressive strength to touch down from close range after some fine handling from his side.
Moments later, Hong Kong China were reduced to 14 men when winger Harry Sayers was sin-binned for a high tackle on Perry.
USA capitalised by scoring their second try in the 19th minute through Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz. The number eight touched down from close range after excellent work from the Eagles’ pack.
But a stunning individual try from flanker Jack Bartlett put Hong Kong China ahead in exhilarating fashion. Collecting possession on halfway, the forward showed outstanding speed and strength to burst though the USA defence and cross the line.
Hong Kong China led 17-14 at half-time but soon after the restart they lost Hrstich to a yellow card for a high challenge on Hilsenbeck.
A 59th-minute penalty try put the Eagles back ahead but Dylan McCann’s first penalty put Hong Kong China back in front in the 65th minute and his second left USA trailing 26-21.
But Geiger dived over the line with four minutes remaining to level the scores at 26-26 and Hilsenbeck converted superbly to hand USA victory.
Be the first to comment