USA Edge Hong Kong China 28–26: Nations Cup Round 4 for the Americas
A late maul try kept the Eagles perfect in Bourg-en-Bresse, while Canada, Chile and Uruguay all lost on Saturday. Here is what the weekend means, and why Tbilisi on Nov. 21 is now the game that matters.
The USA vs Hong Kong China rugby Test on Sunday, Nov. 8, was supposed to be the gentle start to the Eagles' European tour. It was anything but. Down 26–21 with five minutes left at the Stade Marcel-Verchère in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, the USA Men's Eagles set up a lineout, built a maul and sent replacement hooker Kaleb Geiger over the line. Christopher Hilsenbeck's conversion made it 28–26, and the Eagles then had to survive a final Hong Kong China attack to stay unbeaten in the World Rugby Nations Cup.
It was the only win for an Americas team in round four. A day earlier, Canada lost 59–14 to Georgia in Tbilisi, Chile went down 36–15 to Portugal in Lisbon and Uruguay were beaten 18–12 by Spain in Madrid. This is our weekly look at the November window for the Americas, following on from our USA Eagles October series review, which set out the November fixtures and the lessons the Eagles brought out of Harrison.
- USA 28, Hong Kong China 26 (Sun., Nov. 8, Bourg-en-Bresse). Hong Kong China led 17–14 at half-time and 26–21 with five minutes left. Kaleb Geiger's maul try won it.
- Georgia 59, Canada 14 (Sat., Nov. 7, Tbilisi). Canada scored twice in the first half, then nothing after the break as Georgia ran in nine tries.
- Portugal 36, Chile 15 (Lisbon). Chile were only two points behind at half-time, 17–15.
- Spain 18, Uruguay 12 (Madrid). Justo Ferrario scored both Uruguay tries; a late Spain try settled it.
- APR's take: the Eagles are 4–0 and so are Georgia. They meet in Tbilisi on Nov. 21, the biggest game of the Eagles' year so far.
Round 4 Scoreboard: The Americas Weekend
The World Rugby Nations Cup is the second-tier competition for 12 teams heading to Rugby World Cup 2027. The six Americas and Pacific teams (Canada, Chile, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay and the USA) each play the six teams in the other pool (Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Zimbabwe): three games in July and three in November. A win is worth four points, a draw two, and there are bonus points for scoring four or more tries and for losing by seven or fewer. There is no final. Whoever finishes top of each pool after November takes the title.
| Date (2026) | Match | Venue | Result | Half-time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Nov. 7 | Georgia v Canada | Tbilisi, Georgia | Georgia 59–14 | Georgia 24–14 |
| Sat., Nov. 7 | Portugal v Chile | Estádio do Restelo, Lisbon | Portugal 36–15 | Portugal 17–15 |
| Sat., Nov. 7 | Spain v Uruguay | Madrid | Spain 18–12 | Spain 8–7 |
| Sun., Nov. 8 | Hong Kong China v USA | Stade Marcel-Verchère, Bourg-en-Bresse, France | USA 28–26 | Hong Kong China 17–14 |
The Pacific teams in the same pool had a better weekend. Tonga won a 12-try shootout 43–38 against Romania in Bucharest, and Samoa beat Zimbabwe 43–7 in Wakefield, England, with a hat-trick from Latrell Ah Kiong. For the Americas, it was one win from four.
USA 28, Hong Kong China 26: How the Eagles Got Out of Jail
Hong Kong China scored first, and in a way that set the tone. In the fifth minute Marcus Ramage charged down a kick from the Eagles' Perry Mayo and scored, with Nathan De Thierry converting. The USA hit back almost straight away. Hong Kong China's Harry Sayers was shown a yellow card in the 11th minute for a high tackle on Mayo, and Mayo himself got the Eagles' first try around the same time. Back-rower Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz, one of the few Eagles to come out of Harrison with credit, added a second in the 19th minute. Hilsenbeck converted both, and at 14–7 the Eagles looked in control.
They had the ball to prove it. RugbyPass's numbers show the USA had 62% of possession and 69% of territory in the first half. But a lot of that pressure ended without points. Hooker Shilo Klein was held up over the line, and a lineout error near the try line handed the ball back. De Thierry kicked a penalty in the 27th minute, and then, just before the break, Jack Bartlett finished a move from halfway against the run of play. De Thierry converted and Hong Kong China went in 17–14 ahead.
The second half: cards, a penalty try and a late swing
The game turned again soon after the restart, when Hong Kong China captain Joshua Hrstich was sin-binned for a high challenge on Hilsenbeck. De Thierry kicked a second penalty to make it 20–14, and in the 59th minute the referee awarded the USA a penalty try. Penalty tries count seven points with no kick, so the Eagles led 21–20.
Then Hong Kong China kicked their way back in front. Replacement Dylan McCann landed penalties in the 65th and 71st minutes to make it 26–21. For a team the Eagles were expected to beat, it was a nervy place to be.
The answer came from the set piece that let the Eagles down so badly against Australia A. With four minutes left, the USA set a lineout, the forwards built a maul and Geiger, on as a replacement, finished it off. Hilsenbeck's conversion was his third of the day and the winning kick. Even then the Eagles had to defend. Cassh Maluia made key tackles in the final minutes and Benjamin Bonasso intercepted to end Hong Kong China's last real chance.
The numbers behind a two-point win
The Eagles did a lot of things well. RugbyPass credits them with a 97% ruck success rate, 371 meters carried, 25 defenders beaten and 11 offloads. Those are the numbers of a team that controlled the ball. The problem was what happened at the end of attacks and in the moments that gave Hong Kong China points: a charged-down kick, a try from halfway and four penalty goals.
| Minute | Score | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| 5' | HKC 7–0 | Ramage try after charging down a Mayo kick; De Thierry converts |
| 10–11' | 7–7 | Sayers (HKC) yellow card; Mayo try, Hilsenbeck converts |
| 19' | USA 14–7 | Fa'anana-Schultz try, Hilsenbeck converts |
| 27' | 14–10 | De Thierry penalty |
| 38' | HKC 17–14 | Bartlett try from halfway; De Thierry converts (half-time) |
| Early 2nd half | 17–14 | Hrstich (HKC captain) yellow card |
| 57' | HKC 20–14 | De Thierry penalty |
| 59' | USA 21–20 | Penalty try |
| 65', 71' | HKC 26–21 | Two McCann penalties |
| 76–77' | USA 28–26 | Geiger maul try, Hilsenbeck converts |
Reports differ by a minute on some timings (for example, Mayo's try is listed at the 10th minute in one scoring table and the 11th in the match report), but the order of events is the same in every source we read.
Who was missing, and who stepped up
Americas Rugby News noted that the Eagles were without fly-halves AJ MacGinty and Luke Carty and scrum-half Ruben de Haas, who was hurt early in Harrison. That left a new-look halfback pair, with Oscar Lennon making his first start for the USA. Captain Jason Damm put the win down to resolve and a refusal to stop believing. Hrstich, for his part, said his side were frustrated because they know they are good enough, but proud of a big step forward.
APR's view: a win that tells the truth
Nobody in the Eagles camp will pretend this was a good performance. Hong Kong China were expected to lose this one, and the Eagles had most of the ball. But this result is useful, because it shows the same two themes as October. First, the set piece. Against Australia A, six lost lineouts were the story. Here, a lineout error cost a try in the first half and a lineout maul won the game in the second. The Eagles' maul is a real weapon when the throw is clean. Second, accuracy at the end of attacks. Being held up, dropping the ball or giving away a charge-down turns pressure into nothing, and good teams make you pay.
The good news is that winning ugly is a skill too. A month ago this team lost 61–12 and 52–0. Coming back from five points down late, away from home and without three first-choice halfbacks, says something about the group Scott Lawrence is building.
Georgia 59, Canada 14: A Good Start, Then a Long Afternoon
Canada went to Tbilisi knowing it would be the hardest game of their November tour, and for half an hour they matched Georgia. D. Papunashvili scored for Georgia in the third minute, but Canada answered through B. Lesage in the 10th minute and Izaak Kelly in the 26th, with T. McMullin converting both. Georgia's captain and fullback, Davit Niniashvili, and their wing threat, Aka Tabutsadze, kept coming, and Canada trailed 24–14 at half-time after a yellow card to Nic Benn in the 19th minute cost them 10 minutes.
The second half was one-way traffic. Canada captain Lucas Rumball was sin-binned soon after the restart, Georgia were awarded a penalty try in the 44th minute, and the home side added tries from B. Gigashvili, Tabutsadze (his second), T. Kakhoidze and V. Karkadze. Luka Matkava kicked six conversions. Georgia scored nine tries to two and took a bonus-point win to stay perfect at 4–0.
APR's view: discipline is the difference
Two yellow cards against Georgia in Tbilisi is too many. Georgia's pack is the best in this competition, and playing them with 14 men is a recipe for exactly what happened. Canada's first 30 minutes were encouraging, and the two tries came from good attacking shape. But this is the same lesson the Eagles learned in October: tier-one-style opponents punish every card. Canada have a quick turnaround, with Hong Kong China in Chambéry, France, on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Romania in Bucharest on Friday, Nov. 20.
Portugal 36, Chile 15: Close for 40 Minutes
Chile, who reached their first Rugby World Cup in 2023, started fast in Lisbon. Their fullback M. Garafulic scored in the fifth minute, and R. Martínez added a second try in the 24th, which Garafulic converted. Portugal hit back through M. Cardoso Pinto and D. Wallis, and a Garafulic penalty on the stroke of half-time kept Chile within two points, 17–15.
The game swung on discipline again. Garafulic had already been sin-binned around the half-hour mark, and a second Chile yellow card, to C. Armstrong in the 64th minute, came as Portugal took control. R. Storti scored twice and A. da Cunha once in the second half, and Portugal won 36–15. Portugal are now 3–1.
APR's view: Chile need 80 minutes
Chile's first half showed the attacking quality that took them to France 2023. The second half showed the gap in depth. Chile have two more chances to finish the Nations Cup strongly: Spain in Madrid on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Zimbabwe in Angoulême, France, on Nov. 21. A win over Zimbabwe would be the minimum target.
Spain 18, Uruguay 12: So Close for Los Teros
Uruguay's game in Madrid was the tightest of the Americas results that went the wrong way. Wing Justo Ferrario scored in the 11th minute, converted by I. Amarillo, and Uruguay led 7–3 until Alejandro Laforga scored in the left corner for Spain in the 22nd minute. Spain led 8–7 at the break and 11–7 after a second I. Mateu penalty. Ferrario's second try in the 69th minute put Uruguay level at 12–12, and for a few minutes it looked like Uruguay might steal it.
Instead, Spain won a penalty deep in their own half, worked their way up the field and scored through G. Minguillón in the corner in the 75th minute. Mateu converted. Uruguay had more of the ball in the final 10 minutes, according to Americas Rugby News, and went close with a late maul, but could not get over. Americas Rugby News described the match as the start of the Guzmán Barreiro coaching era, with Manuel Leindekar as captain and veteran M. Sanguinetti winning his 99th cap.
APR's view: the losing bonus point matters
A six-point defeat is inside the seven-point margin for a losing bonus point, which gives Uruguay something from a game they could have won. World Rugby's round-four report says Uruguay are still looking for their first win after four games. Their next chances are against Zimbabwe at Ealing in London on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Portugal in Lisbon on Nov. 21.
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The Table: Why Tbilisi Is the Big One
After four rounds, the USA and Georgia are the only unbeaten teams left in the competition. RugbyPass puts the Eagles' record at 4–0 with a points difference of +26, which shows how tight their wins have been: 30–29 against Portugal, 31–15 against Zimbabwe and 29–22 against Spain in July, and now 28–26 against Hong Kong China. Georgia are also 4–0, and their wins have been far more comfortable.
| Team | Round 5 (Nov. 14 weekend) | Round 6 (Nov. 20–21) |
|---|---|---|
| USA (4–0) | v Romania, Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest (Sat., Nov. 14) | v Georgia, Tbilisi (Sat., Nov. 21) |
| Canada | v Hong Kong China, Chambéry, France (Sat., Nov. 14) | v Romania, Bucharest (Fri., Nov. 20) |
| Chile | v Spain, Madrid (Sat., Nov. 14) | v Zimbabwe, Angoulême, France (Sat., Nov. 21) |
| Uruguay | v Zimbabwe, Ealing, London (Sat., Nov. 14) | v Portugal, Lisbon (Sat., Nov. 21) |
Fixture details come from Planet Rugby's published November schedule, Americas Rugby News and RugbyPass; check World Rugby or USA Rugby for final kickoff times. Because the Nations Cup has no final, each pool is decided on points. The USA lead the Americas and Pacific pool and Georgia lead the other. They are in different pools, so both could finish top, but their round-six meeting is the only game this November between the two unbeaten teams. A USA win in Tbilisi would be the result of the Eagles' year, and a heavy defeat would raise the same set-piece questions as October.
Romania first, and they will not be easy
Before Georgia, the Eagles have Romania in Bucharest. Romania lost 43–38 to Tonga on Friday night in a game with six tries for each side, so they will have plenty of attacking threat and something to prove at home. Based on Sunday's evidence, the Eagles will need to be far more accurate in the red zone.
APR's view: three things to watch
1. The lineout. It cost the Eagles in October and won them the game on Sunday. Against Georgia's pack it will decide everything.
2. Halfback continuity. With MacGinty, Carty and de Haas missing, Oscar Lennon and the new-look halfbacks have to grow up in a hurry. Game management in the last 20 minutes was the area that nearly cost the Eagles against Hong Kong China.
3. Discipline. Canada got two yellow cards in Tbilisi and lost by 45. Our guide to rugby yellow and red cards explains how sin bins and the 20-minute red card work at Test level.
What the Weekend Means for American Rugby
For American fans, Sunday was a reminder of where the men's program is. The Eagles are a top-tier team in the Nations Cup, but they are not yet comfortable winners at that level. The same is true across the Americas. Canada, Chile and Uruguay all showed good attacking moments and all lost games when discipline or depth ran out. These are exactly the gaps that more top-level games, a stronger domestic league and better player pathways are meant to close. Our guide to pro rugby in the USA covers where that domestic game stands going into 2027, and our earlier coverage of the Nashville weekend and the October series preview shows how far the men have come in a month.
The maul try is also a good reminder for anyone playing club or tournament rugby. Set pieces win close games at every level. In 10s rugby the scrum has five players from each team and the lineout is just as important, which is why our 10s rugby positions guide spends so much time on the forwards. If you want to get fit for a three-day tournament, start with our 8-week rugby training plan for 10s. And if the basics need work, our Tuesday Skills series covers the pop pass, catching under pressure and the spin pass, brought to you by our partner Clann13.
What It Means for the APR Games
The APR Games is a 10s tournament in Las Vegas over Memorial Day Weekend, May 29–31, 2027, with evening kickoffs under the floodlights. It is a very different event from a Test match, but it is built on the same idea: American players need more meaningful games. Five founding Las Vegas franchises will be there, plus one mystery invitational team. The images in this article show two of them. Downtown Rugby call themselves "The People's Team," and the Vegas Blackjacks, founded in 1976, bill themselves as Las Vegas's oldest sports club. They are joined by the Vegas Kings, Vegas Knights and Vegas Lions. Meet them all on the teams page, and read the full APR Games 2027 guide for the schedule and divisions. Full APR Games rules and squad sizes will be confirmed with player registration.
Putting a squad together? Our guide to how to build a 10s rugby team walks through roster size, roles and a six-month timeline. New to the game after watching the Eagles? Start with how to start playing rugby as an adult in Las Vegas. Coaches can join the APR Coaching Clinic, May 28–31, 2027.
Coming to Vegas for the tournament? Our partner Luna Appleton publishes guides to where to stay, eat and celebrate in Las Vegas. Clubs that need signage for a clubhouse or game day can talk to American LED Signage, another official APR partner.
The APR Games is made possible by our partners. Players and fans can support the tournament by supporting them.
Our Tuesday Skills series is brought to you by Clann13, an official APR partner. Interested in the business side of Las Vegas sport? In Too Win focuses on Las Vegas business and investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in USA vs Hong Kong China rugby?
The USA Men's Eagles beat Hong Kong China 28–26 in the World Rugby Nations Cup on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at the Stade Marcel-Verchère in Bourg-en-Bresse, France. Hong Kong China led 17–14 at half-time and 26–21 with about five minutes left.
Who scored the USA tries against Hong Kong China?
Perry Mayo and Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz scored in the first half, the USA were awarded a penalty try in the 59th minute, and replacement hooker Kaleb Geiger scored the winning try from a driving maul with about four minutes left. Christopher Hilsenbeck kicked three conversions.
Are the USA unbeaten in the World Rugby Nations Cup?
Yes. After round four the USA are 4–0, with wins over Portugal, Zimbabwe, Spain and Hong Kong China. Georgia are the only other unbeaten team.
Who do the USA play next?
The Eagles play Romania in Bucharest on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, and finish the Nations Cup against Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday, Nov. 21. Check World Rugby or USA Rugby for final kickoff times.
What was the score in Georgia vs Canada?
Georgia beat Canada 59–14 in Tbilisi on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Canada scored two first-half tries through Lesage and Izaak Kelly but trailed 24–14 at half-time and did not score in the second half. Georgia scored nine tries, including a penalty try.
How did Chile and Uruguay do in round four?
Chile lost 36–15 to Portugal in Lisbon after trailing only 17–15 at half-time. Uruguay lost 18–12 to Spain in Madrid, conceding a late try after Justo Ferrario's second try had tied the game at 12–12.
How does the World Rugby Nations Cup work?
Twelve teams are split into two pools of six. Each team plays the six teams in the other pool, three in July and three in November. A win is worth four points, a draw two, with bonus points for four or more tries and for losing by seven or fewer. The team on top of each pool after November is champion; there is no final.
Why is USA vs Georgia so important?
The USA and Georgia are the only unbeaten teams after four rounds and they meet in the last round in Tbilisi. Georgia have the strongest pack in the competition, so the game is the biggest test of the Eagles' November tour and of their progress since the October losses to Australia A.
Can I watch the USA Eagles on TV in the United States?
World Rugby's deal with CBS Sports means Paramount+ streams USA men's and women's matches. Check Paramount+, USA Rugby and the Eagles' social channels for the November schedule.
How can I play in the APR Games 2027?
The APR Games is a 10s rugby tournament in Las Vegas on May 29–31, 2027, with Men's Elite, Women's Social and Youth divisions. Player entry is $299 and includes a team jersey, kit bag and at least three pool games. Join the waitlist at americanprorugby.com.
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Sources
- RugbyPass: USA Eagles edge Hong Kong China in end-to-end Nations Cup clash
- Americas Rugby News: USA complete scrappy win over dogged Hong Kong
- World Rugby: Georgia, Portugal, Spain and Samoa claim fourth-round victories
- RugbyPass: USA, Spain win thrillers in action-packed Nations Cup round
- Americas Rugby News: Canada outmatched by Georgia
- Americas Rugby News: Chile fall to Portugal
- Americas Rugby News: Spain edge out Uruguay in thriller in Madrid
- World Rugby: Everything you need to know about the Nations Cup
- Planet Rugby: Nations Cup November fixtures and venues
- Downtown Rugby · Vegas Blackjacks Rugby Club (team sites)
This analysis is based on the match reports listed above, current at the time of publishing (Nov. 9, 2026). Where sources differ on minor details such as minute timings, we have noted it. APR's views are our own. All images are illustrations of APR teams, not photos of the matches described. Spotted an error? Contact us.