USA snatch Nations Cup opener 30-29 as Hilsenbeck's late penalty sinks Portugal

The USA edged Portugal 30-29 in a tense inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup opener at Dick Sporting Goods Park in Denver on Saturday, with fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck landing a decisive penalty in the 78th minute to secure the home side’s lead for good.

Hilsenbeck finished with 15 points and was the standout performer for the USA, but it was his composure under pressure late in the game that proved decisive. Backrowers Cory Daniel and Paddy Ryan each crossed for tries as the Americans overcame a Portugal side ranked two places above them — 14th in the world, just behind Georgia.

Portugal made a blistering start, with winger Manuel Cardoso Pinto touching down inside the opening minute. Pinto went on to score four tries in total, repeatedly putting Os Lobos ahead and threatening to spoil the occasion for the home crowd on Independence Day.

Discipline ultimately cost Portugal dearly. Manuel Vareiro and Pedro Vincente were both shown 20-minute red cards, and Martim Belo was sin-binned at another stage. The USA capitalised after each card, turning the numerical advantages into points and finishing ahead in both possession and territory.

USA captain Jason Damm was visibly emotional at full time, reflecting on what the win means with Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia now less than 15 months away.

“It’s just awesome. This crowd out here on the fourth of July wearing the red, white and blue, man, incredible,” Damm said. “The boys put in a lot of fight and that’s all we could ask. It’s a great way to start this Nations Cup campaign.”

The victory carries added weight given Portugal’s pedigree. Os Lobos delivered one of the stories of Rugby World Cup 2023, defeating Fiji in France, and have already qualified for the 2027 tournament in Australia. The USA are also through to that event, and Damm was keen to frame Saturday’s result as a building block rather than a ceiling.

“Portugal is a great side and they definitely showed us some stuff we have to work on and we’re going to keep building,” he said. “I think we showed our foundation tonight and we can use that foundation, just keep building and growing to that World Cup.”

The USA now sit 1-0 in the Nations Cup and will next host Zimbabwe and Spain in the coming weeks.