NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Australia XV scored five unanswered tries in the second half to defeat the United States 61-12 at GEODIS Park in the opener of a two-match friendly series.
Michael Baska and Mark O’Keeffe scored first-half tries for the Eagles, who trailed 26-12 at halftime before being shut out after the break.
The series gives U.S. coach Scott Lawrence an opportunity to evaluate his roster against Australia’s second team ahead of next month’s Nations Cup tests and next year’s Rugby World Cup. The teams meet again in six days.
Australia established a 19-0 lead with quick passes out of contact and a 50-meter breakaway following a kick downfield. Handling mistakes limited the Eagles’ early possessions, though their defense began slowing Australia near the midway point of the first half.
A high tackle on Tavite Lopeti in the 13th minute eventually resulted in a 20-minute red card for Australia’s David Feliuai. The Eagles took advantage when Baska collected a long pass following a lineout 5 meters from the goal line and scored their first try.
Australia added two tries while short-handed, but the United States closed the half with another score. A penalty near midfield helped the Eagles set up a lineout near Australia’s goal line, and they moved the ball across the field for O’Keeffe’s try.
The second half belonged to Australia, which controlled possession and repeatedly disrupted the U.S. lineout. The Eagles struggled to sustain attacks as the visitors extended their lead with five more tries.
Lawrence said Australia’s ability to retain possession forced the Eagles into lengthy defensive stretches. He pointed to a need for more consistent attacking sequences to relieve that pressure.
“The defense takes the brunt of the score board, but it’s really about getting better continuity on our attack,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence also said the reserves improved the team’s set-piece execution. He described the scrum as sound but identified the lineout as an area requiring more work, emphasizing consistency as a priority.
Oscar Lennon started at scrumhalf in his first appearance for the Eagles, adding another player to the team’s development plans ahead of the World Cup.
The match marked the Eagles’ return home after a five-week trip to Japan that included the Pacific Nations Cup and two club friendlies. The rematch offers a quick opportunity to address the possession and execution problems that limited them in Nashville.
