The All Blacks looked strong very early in the match with Sherwin Stowers getting a try just over a minute into the match. However, the conversion missed and soon afterward New Zealand found themselves on defense. Knowing they needed a win against New Zealand the Eagles refused to panic and were patient with the ball. That allowed Zach Test to make a break through the line and feed Nick Edwards for the try. Just over a minute later the Eagles were on the board again as Matt Hawkins touched down. Shalom Suniula only managed to make one of the conversion but the U.S. still led 12-5.
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Brett Thompson would almost get the U.S. their third try of the half when he won the restart but the team was unable to capitalize. Fortunately, the same thing was true for New Zealand. The All Blacks had two breakaways before the end of the half only to be chased down by the U.S. defense.
In the second half the U.S. increased their lead after just 16 seconds when Edwards picked up his second try of the match. When Suniula converted the U.S. had a 19-5 lead and looked to be on their way to a famous win, but the All Blacks are the All Blacks and a penalty try and a try from Tim Mikkelson just over a minute apart brought the score back level. David Raikuna then scored with less than a minute to go to seal the match for the All Blacks.
It was a disappointing result for the Eagles but short of a win it was likely the best way to kick off their Plate campaign. Making the Cup rounds, even with a win over New Zealand, was always going to be near impossible. Now the U.S. can focus on taking home some hardware in the Plate. They'll have to wait for the rest of the day's results to see who they play.