USA Eagles lead Nations Cup Pool A with defining European tests to come in November

The USA Eagles enter the second half of their 2026 Nations Cup campaign as Pool A leaders, holding 14 points and a +24 scoring differential — four points clear of Chile — with three European opponents still to face in November.

The result sets up a potentially decisive stretch for Scott Lawrence’s side, who return from a five-week stint in Japan that included Pacific Nations Cup defeats to Canada and the Brave Blossoms, as well as three scrimmages against Japan League One clubs. Before heading to Europe, the Eagles face two home matches against an Australia XV side, the first of which ended in a 61-12 defeat.

Lawrence has been open about the dual purpose of these fixtures: building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup while keeping the Nations Cup title firmly in view. “I think we’ve been pretty clear all year that the competition cycles are in July and November around the Nations Cup,” he told media ahead of the first Australia XV match. “Everything in between is about developing the playing base towards the World Cup next year.”

The head coach confirmed he plans to use the Australia XV tests to blood new talent and refine the USA’s game plan, noting the quality of the opposition. “There are 12 Wallabies in the squad, so it’s a really good opportunity to see how guys will perform. It’s our second pressure test, and we’ll give guys opportunities to play.”

Lawrence has also been tracking the Eagles’ upcoming European opponents closely. He highlighted Hong Kong China’s July victory over Uruguay and Romania’s draw in the same window as signs of resurgent form. “Georgia is playing really well at the moment,” he added. “They’ve got back to their identity.”

On the lessons taken from Japan, Lawrence was measured but pointed. “We had some really clear things that we needed to get better at coming out of Japan, and those things are relevant in every test match, including November. So that’s where our focus is at the moment.”

First in line is Hong Kong China, who began their Nations Cup campaign with a 66-19 loss to Samoa before showing improvement in subsequent fixtures. Despite holding 59% possession and 62% territory against Samoa, the Dragons were undone by a 57% tackle-completion rate and an inability to breach the Samoan defence. Lawrence has flagged their speed of play as a potential threat.

With Pool A leadership secured for now, the Eagles know that results in Europe will determine whether they are crowned pool champions — and how much momentum they can carry into a Rugby World Cup year.