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The Guardian
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
England outclass USA in dominant win amid lightning delays in Washington DC
On a perfectly unlovely summer's day in Washington DC, amid lasering sunshine, lowering clouds, debilitating humidity and lengthy lightning delays, Steve Borthwick's Lions-light England sweated to a six-try win over the US Eagles. Borthwick expressed satisfaction, telling reporters his men did well 'in the challenging conditions, two lightning breaks, so the game lasted effectively a long time. There's a scenario that none of us had faced before. We wanted a short half-time to deal with that but it wasn't possible, but that's six new caps in today.' The tourists didn't produce high art – hard when you wait an hour to kick-off because of lightning, then have to play through a kind of atmospheric soup. But their mostly young Premiership professionals generally performed with precision beyond opponents employed by US clubs, except centre Dominic Besag, who has a year left in college. The first try took 10 minutes to come. There was a spell of American pressure but the home fly-half, Chris Hilsenbeck, was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and England made use of their own kicks to the corner and driving mauls, hooker Curtis Langdon touching down, captain George Ford converting. Try two came soon after from another US error, Tom Pittman coughing up possession on his own line before opposing centre Luke Northmore trotted over. Ford converted again. Shortly before the first water break, the US drove to the England line but were held up. Shortly before the half-hour, England No 8 Alex Dombrandt appeared to have scored from another driving maul, only to be denied for obstruction. And then … lightning struck, again, and the teams followed protocol, again, and jogged their way off the field. Fans jogged after them, to jammed concourse bars. When it was safe to come back out, the players had to warm up again. Senate vote-a-ramas have flown by faster. Senators sometimes have to be found in the bars of Capitol Hill. Here, a fair few fans failed to come back at all. Play resumed with the Eagles under the cosh. One maul steal by England flanker Chandler Cunningham-South led to what appeared to be a try for Joe Carpenter, the debutant full-back, until video found a knock-on. There was no problem with the wing Caden Murley's finish for the third, snappishly directed by Ford. His conversion went wide and that, finally, was the half, 19-0 to England. England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet scooted over shortly after the restart. Ford converted. It took a while for the fifth try to arrive, but it did, through a break by wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and support from Harry Randall, the substitute scrum-half. Ford converted for 33-0. Gabriel Oghre, debutant replacement hooker, scored from a maul and another bench new boy, Charlie Atkinson, converted. The game ended with consolation for the Eagles, flanker Christian Poidevin (son of Australia great Simon) running smart from a lineout to put Shilo Klein, the replacement hooker, over the line at last. The conversion was wide, the game was done. With World Cups on US soil in 2031 (men) and 2033 (women), World Rugby could do with a more competitive product. Nonetheless, executives say they are in for the long haul. Before Saturday's DC doubleheader, which did feature a compelling contest between the US women and Fiji, chief executive Alan Gilpin told reporters 'about $275m is earmarked right now over the next five-six years' for investment in the US. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion That money will go into 'everything from community rugby building with USA Rugby … through to social, digital, building around the matches that we bring here,' Gilpin said. 'It's not just about putting one-off matches in Washington or Chicago. It's about building those audiences.' At Audi Field, the attendance was given as 15,198 for the women's game, a US record, and 19,079 for the men, representing total tickets scanned. On the concourse, unscientific polling revealed that among the usual colourful riot of fans from all corners of the American game – high schools, colleges, clubs, LGBTQ+, older fans – not all had come solely to see Ilona Maher. But she was a major draw for sure. Against Fiji, the social media star who was this week named ESPYs Breakthrough Athlete of the Year generated roars each time she ran from outside centre. Against battling, skilful opponents, her Eagles started strongly but found themselves holding on to win, 31-24. Maher made the tackle that killed the last Fijian attack. The crowd loved it.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
England outclass USA in dominant win amid lightning delays in Washington DC
On a perfectly unlovely summer's day in Washington DC, amid lasering sunshine, lowering clouds, debilitating humidity and lengthy lightning delays, Steve Borthwick's Lions-light England sweated to a six-try win over the US Eagles. The tourists' run-on team contained three new caps and three more arrived from the bench. It wasn't high art – hard when you wait an hour to kick-off because of lightning, then have to play through a kind of atmospheric soup. But England's Premiership professionals generally performed with precision beyond opponents employed in Major League Rugby, the US pro competition, except centre Dominic Besag, who has a year left at Saint Mary's College, outside San Francisco. The first try took 10 minutes to come. There was a spell of American pressure but the home fly-half, Chris Hilsenbeck, was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and England made use of their own kicks to the corner and driving mauls, hooker Curtis Langdon touching down. Captain George Ford converted. Try two came soon after from another US error, Tom Pittman coughing up possession on his own line before opposing centre Luke Northmore trotted over. Ford converted again. Shortly before the first water break, entirely necessary on a horribly muggy evening, the US drove to the England line but were held up. Shortly before the half-hour, England No 8 Alex Dombrandt appeared to have scored from another driving maul, only to be denied for obstruction. And then … lightning struck, again, and the teams followed protocol, again, and jogged their way off the field. Fans jogged after them, to jammed concourse bars. When it was safe to come back out, the players had to warm up again. Senate vote-a-ramas have flown by faster. Senators sometimes have to be found in the bars of Capitol Hill. Here, a fair few fans failed to come back at all. Play resumed with the Eagles on defense. They stayed there, under the cosh at the scrum and with England flanker Chandler Cunningham-South a nuisance in the mauls. One steal led to what appeared to be a scrappy try for Joe Carpenter, the debutant full-back, until video found a knock-on. There was no problem with the wing Caden Murley's finish for England's third, after snappish moves directed by Ford. His third conversion went wide and that, finally, was the half, 19-0 to England. England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet scooted over shortly after the restart, beneficiary of the US wing Toby Fricker shooting out of the line. Ford converted. It took a while for the fifth try to arrive, but it did, through a break by wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and support from Harry Randall, the substitute scrum-half. Ford converted for 33-0. Gabriel Oghre, the replacement hooker and a new cap, scored next from a maul and another bench new boy, Charlie Atkinson, converted. The game ended with the Eagles dragging themselves forwards, in search of consolation. They got it, flanker Christian Poidevin (son of Wallaby legend Simon) running a clever switchback from a lineout to put Shilo Klein, the replacement hooker, over the England line. The conversion was wide, the game was done. With World Cups on US soil in 2031 (men) and 2033 (women), World Rugby could do with a more competitive product. Nonetheless, executives say they are in for the long haul. Before Saturday's DC doubleheader, which did feature a compelling contest between the US women and Fiji, chief executive Alan Gilpin told reporters 'about $275m is earmarked right now over the next five-six years' for investment in the US. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion That money will go into 'everything from community rugby building with USA Rugby and their various community groups through to social, digital, building around the matches that we bring here,' Gilpin said. 'It's not just about putting one-off matches in Washington or Chicago. It's about building those audiences.' At Audi Field, the attendance was given as 15,198 for the women's game, a US record, and 19,079 for the men, representing total tickets scanned. On the concourse, unscientific polling revealed that among the usual colorful riot of fans from all corners of the American game – high schools, colleges, clubs, LGBTQ+, older fans – not all had come solely to see Ilona Maher. But she was a major draw for sure. Against Fiji, the social media star who was this week named ESPYs Breakthrough Athlete of the Year generated roars each time she ran from outside centre. Against battling, skilful opponents, her Eagles started strongly but found themselves holding on to win, 31-24. Maher made the tackle that killed the last Fijian attack. The crowd loved it.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
England complete unbeaten tour with 40-5 rout of USA
England wrapped up their tour of Argentina and the United States with a comprehensive 40-5 victory over the US Eagles in a weather-interrupted Test match in Washington D.C. on Saturday. Curtis Langdon, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley, Jack van Poortvliet, Harry Randall and Gabriel Oghre -- one of six players to earn his first cap in the match -- scored the tries as England backed up their two-Test series win over Argentina with a comfortable victory. Lightning delayed the match kickoff by about an hour and interrupted the contest in the 29th minute for a delay of about 40 minutes at Washington's Audi Field, home of MLS side DC United. "A lot of hard work," England captain George Ford said. "Conditions were difficult. I'm proud of the boys. It's the last day of a four-week tour for us. We won all three games. We had six new caps today. We're really proud of what they did and I'm proud of the group effort as a whole." England's win was their seventh straight international victory following their defeat to Ireland in February in their Six Nations opener. The English improved to 8-0 against the USA Eagles by winning only their second match on US soil. "It's always tough to face a tier one team," US captain Ben Bonasso said. "The boys, we still trust the process. We got a try at the end. We hope to keep on going." The Eagles defeated Belgium but lost to Spain in prior summer matches. "Facing this type of speed and collisions will make you better," Bonasso said. "We still have to qualify for the World Cup so this will help us down the road." The starting lineup featured previously uncapped Arthur Clark, Max Ojomoh and Joe Carpenter while substitutes Oghre, Charlie Atkinson and Oscar Beard also made England debuts. "It's massive. They have been huge all tour," Ford said. "They got their opportunities tonight but the way they have applied themselves and trained and prepared the team for the two games in Argentina was unbelievable. They deserved that. It's a proud moment for them." Also in England's lineup was Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who served a red-card ban for the two matches in South America but made his return against the Eagles. - Fast start - Chris Hilsenbeck of the Eagles was shown a yellow card in the ninth minute and England capitalized in the 11th minute, Langdon scoring the try from the back of a rolling maul. Northmore touched the ball down between the uprights off a pass from debutant Ojomoh in the 18th minute. Alex Dombrandt had what seemed to be a try in the 28th minute overturned on TMO review just before lightning halted the match in the 29th minute. After the resumption, Carpenter lost a try in his England debut on TMO review in the 37th minute but Murley scored a try on a cutback run on the final play of the first half to give England a 19-0 half-time lead. England scored again in the first minute of the second half as Van Poortvliet finished and Ford added another conversion. Harry Randall added a try in the 62nd minute following an impressive offload by Feyi-Waboso and Oghre added another try in the 74th minute with an Atkinson conversion making it 40-0. Shilo Klein grabbed a late consolation for the home side with a try in the final moments of the game. js/rcw
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
England complete unbeaten tour with 40-5 rout of USA
Curtis Langdon, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley, Jack van Poortvliet, Harry Randall and Gabriel Oghre -- one of six players to earn his first cap in the match -- scored the tries as England backed up their two-Test series win over Argentina with a comfortable victory. Lightning delayed the match kickoff by about an hour and interrupted the contest in the 29th minute for a delay of about 40 minutes at Washington's Audi Field, home of MLS side DC United. "A lot of hard work," England captain George Ford said. "Conditions were difficult. I'm proud of the boys. It's the last day of a four-week tour for us. We won all three games. We had six new caps today. We're really proud of what they did and I'm proud of the group effort as a whole." England's win was their seventh straight international victory following their defeat to Ireland in February in their Six Nations opener. The English improved to 8-0 against the USA Eagles by winning only their second match on US soil. "It's always tough to face a tier one team," US captain Ben Bonasso said. "The boys, we still trust the process. We got a try at the end. We hope to keep on going." The Eagles defeated Belgium but lost to Spain in prior summer matches. "Facing this type of speed and collisions will make you better," Bonasso said. "We still have to qualify for the World Cup so this will help us down the road." The starting lineup featured previously uncapped Arthur Clark, Max Ojomoh and Joe Carpenter while substitutes Oghre, Charlie Atkinson and Oscar Beard also made England debuts. "It's massive. They have been huge all tour," Ford said. "They got their opportunities tonight but the way they have applied themselves and trained and prepared the team for the two games in Argentina was unbelievable. They deserved that. It's a proud moment for them." Also in England's lineup was Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who served a red-card ban for the two matches in South America but made his return against the Eagles. Fast start Chris Hilsenbeck of the Eagles was shown a yellow card in the ninth minute and England capitalized in the 11th minute, Langdon scoring the try from the back of a rolling maul. Northmore touched the ball down between the uprights off a pass from debutant Ojomoh in the 18th minute. Alex Dombrandt had what seemed to be a try in the 28th minute overturned on TMO review just before lightning halted the match in the 29th minute. After the resumption, Carpenter lost a try in his England debut on TMO review in the 37th minute but Murley scored a try on a cutback run on the final play of the first half to give England a 19-0 half-time lead. England scored again in the first minute of the second half as Van Poortvliet finished and Ford added another conversion. Harry Randall added a try in the 62nd minute following an impressive offload by Feyi-Waboso and Oghre added another try in the 74th minute with an Atkinson conversion making it 40-0. Shilo Klein grabbed a late consolation for the home side with a try in the final moments of the game.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Ilona Maher and US rugby seek breakthrough with sell-out DC doubleheader
At the ESPY Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday, Ilona Maher was named Best Breakthrough Athlete. 'It's taken me seven years and two Olympics but I finally broke through,' the 28-year-old US Eagles center, social media sensation, swimwear model and reality TV star said, with a delighted laugh. USA Rugby knows such attention is to be seized. After all, Maher's presence against Fiji at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday explains the 20,000 sellout for a program that also includes the Eagles men against England. Out in LA, Maher told her celebrity audience: 'PSA, there is a Women's Rugby World Cup this year. Probably a lot of you didn't know the biggest event in women's rugby, starting in about a month. Watch it. Tune in. You're not gonna understand it the first time you watch it, you're not gonna understand the second time either. But just keep watching.' It's a long way from the Dolby Theatre, where they also host the Oscars, to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, in the English north-east. But that is the venue for the first game of the World Cup, on 22 August, US against the hosts. The Eagles rank ninth in the world, England first. For the Americans, Saturday's game against Fiji, ranked 15th, is a precious preparative test. Jetlag be damned, Maher will play her part. On Thursday, at the USA Rugby Golden Gala, a fundraising dinner down by the National Mall, she told the Guardian: 'I got in [from LA] at like 7am and then I got in my car and went right to the field, and then practice started at 8am and then I did the gym and I did two-hour practice out in the heat. 'So I am tired. I'm ready for bed … club soda tonight. It was important for me to go to the ESPYs. It's a big thing in America, this is the first time rugby was nominated, so it was important for me to go and win as well. I'm happy I … got to say my part, which is the message I always continue to say.' At the ESPYs, Maher said: 'Strong is beautiful. Strong is powerful. It's sexy, it's whatever you want it to be. And I hope more girls can feel how I feel.' The same night, back east, the rugby clans of DC and representatives of Saturday's teams gathered at the British Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue, for a reception hosted by Peter Mandelson, ambassador to the court of King Donald. Pronouncing himself 'a great rugby fan', Lord Mandelson said: 'It's a magnificent contest of force and skill – just like politics. And rugby union: I emphasize that word 'union' because your sport is incredibly unified. It really brings people together … just like politics.' Polite laughter ensued. Alan Gilpin spoke next. As chief executive of World Rugby, he has placed a big bet by placing the 2031 and 2033 World Cups on American soil. Saluting USA Rugby's 50th birthday, Gilpin said: 'This is a perfect moment to honor those not just who are playing now but those who are laying a trail and creating a bold new future. 'And let us be clear, these Rugby World Cups in the USA will not just be historical games. They'll grow the game's reach, they'll grow the game's impact, they'll grow the game's values, not only here in the US but across the world.' Attempts to persuade American sports fans continue. Representatives of CBS Sports were among those enjoying the canapés and champagne. Among the delegations of players, the American men were led by Nate Augspurger of Chicago, the English by George Ford of Sale. Augspurger won his 51st cap last week, on the wing in a disappointing defeat by Spain in Charlotte, North Carolina. Further south, in San Juan, Argentina, Ford won his 101st cap for England, directing from fly-half as his men completed a series win despite missing 15 men in Australia with the Lions. Augspurger saluted Major League Rugby, the US pro competition which recently completed its eighth season, as 'the breeding ground for our new USA Eagles'. 'Even on this tour right now, we've already had six new caps and we'll have a few more coming in [on Saturday] as well,' Augspurger said, of a squad which also includes players sourced around the world. 'For a guy who's been around a long time … it's just about leading by example, showing them the way. The great part is we're getting a professional-standard athlete into the Eagles now. For a long time, that wasn't always the case … and that gives us all the confidence and growth.' Ford said: 'We've got players away with the Lions, [but that gives others] a chance to push themselves forward. We had a good couple of wins [in Argentina]. There were difficult challenges, but we've worked really hard to make sure that we're on the right side of the scoreboard. So we'll be looking to do that again this week against the USA, which we know is going to be a different challenge.' The England coach, Steve Borthwick, has named three uncapped players in an XV retaining only three men from last weekend. According to Borthwick, Gloucester lock Arthur Clark, Bath center Max Ojomoh and Sale full-back Joe Carpenter 'have earned their chance through their effort and attitude [as] we aim to keep building the squad.' Three uncapped players sit on the bench: Gloucester fly-half Charlie Atkinson, Harlequins center Oscar Beard and Bristol hooker Gabriel Oghre. On Thursday, at the Golden Gala, Eagles coach Scott Lawrence told the GuardIan his team had no illusions about the task ahead. 'Playing against a team like England, the base of the game is about building the robustness in the players to move from Major League Rugby to Test rugby … It's one step in that journey of building the type of international players that we want to have long-term, leading into World Cup qualification.' Counseling realism from US fans (a group used to outright fatalism, most years) Lawrence said 'a lot of things are happening under the water but they take … two to three years to come to fruition before you see the investment actually realized.' At the Embassy, the Guardian stepped aside for a word with Bill Goren, the USA Rugby chief executive. Delighted to contemplate a sell-out crowd – even in the infernal heat and storms of a DC sweat-box summer – Goren said: 'When I took this job, I saw the opportunity that was in front of us with the World Cups, with the Olympics [sevens, in Los Angeles in 2028], with the momentum that the women's teams were having, as well as the World Cup that the men are going to qualify for.' That will depend in the first instance on the Pacific Nations Cup later this summer, as Lawrence's Eagles seek to avoid the fate of the 2023 vintage, who failed to make it to France. Goren continued: 'It's exciting to be here in DC, having both teams on the field, a sell-out. A full weekend of events like this is a showcase for rugby in the US, not just USA Rugby.' Recent reports have depicted outside interests eyeing the US, whether for implanted Super Rugby teams or as part of R360, the putative breakaway league championed by Mike Tindall, World Cup winning England center turned entrepreneur. At the embassy, Goren chose his words … diplomatically. 'We're aware of everything that's going on. When there's a rumor, I'll follow up with it, understand what the landscape is, how it impacts us, where we're going to support and not support at times. I do all of that. I don't let it pull me down, getting involved in rumors and that type of stuff. 'What I need to do is just keep pushing our team forward, because there's an opportunity for our four teams to get better and stronger. There's more tools. We're not going to just stop and wait for something to happen. We continue to drive forward every day. Let's put on good games on Saturday. It's going to be great.'
