FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) — The United States qualified for the 2011 Rugby World Cup when it beat Uruguay 27-6 at Central Broward Regional Park on Saturday.
The Eagles defeated Uruguay 27-22 in Montevideo a week ago, and swept the final round of the Americas playoffs 54-28 on aggregate in a repeat of four years ago.
"We trained at game tempo all week and the team completely bought into it. We knew what determination and grit it would take and it made us mentally tougher going into the game," said Eagles captain and flanker Todd Clever, who scored two of their four tries. "We have our spot in the Rugby World Cup now, which is the important part. It's nice to finish strong, but hopefully we can pick up where we left off."
In New Zealand in two years, the U.S. will play in Pool C with two-time champion Australia, Ireland, Italy and a European team yet to be determined. Uruguay's Teros have another chance to qualify next year against an Asian side yet to be determined.
Flanker Louis Stanfill completed a break by winger Kevin Swiryn for the first try, then Swiryn produced another brilliant solo try, scooping his own chip. In Montevideo he dotted down twice, from running back a kickoff and an intercept.
Uruguay closed to 13-6 straight after halftime with Jeronimo Etcheverry's second penalty, but Clever charged 35 meters from a maul for the converted try that secured the result.
Teros prop Mario Sagario was sent off with 25 minutes to go, but the U.S. didn't take advantage until the last minute when Clever, filling in at winger when Swiryn left injured, finished off a team move in the left corner.
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United States 27 (Todd Clever 2, Louis Stanfill, Kevin Swiryn tries; Mike Hercus conversion, penalty, Nese Malifa conversion), Uruguay 6 (Jeronimo Etcheverry 2 penalties). HT: 13-3.
