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| Photo: Hong Kong RFU |
The Junior All-Americans got their campaign to win the Junior World Rugby Trophy and return to the Junior World Championship started out on a bright note with a 37-0 victory over hosts Hong Kong. The first half was a relatively even affair with teh U.S. going up 5-0 early thanks to a try from center Gabe Farley. Flyhalf Ben Cima then hit a penalty to make it 8-0 after Hong Kong's Jordan Cooper was sent to the bin. However, the U.S. would also be hit in the discipline department after Ben Pinkelman was similarly yellow carded.
The second half began with Cima hitting a long penalty to increase the Eagles lead to 11-0. Niall Barry and Nemia Qoro scored tries to make it 23-0. It got worse for Hong Kong as Theo Rolston became the second player from his team to be sent to the bin in the match. The U.S. took advantage with Qoro and Farley each scoring their second tries to make the final 37-0. Cima also hit a last penalty.
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The U.S. now lead Pool A with five points. Georgia, who beat Tonga 34-10 are second in the pool. Georgia and the U.S. go head to head on April 11th. In Pool B, both favorites Canada and Japan were upset. Japan lost to Uruguay 33-28 while Canada lost to Namibia 37-25. Namibia lead the pool with five points while Uruguay have four.
JAA's head coach Billy Millard spoke with the IRB after the match.