WATCH: Rugby USA Makes History with Stunning First Win Against Scotland

Simon Kent

The USA claimed a first rugby win over Scotland with a last-gasp 30-29 victory in Houston, Texas on Saturday night. The home side rallied from a 15-point first-half deficit to claim their piece of rugby history.

Heading into this contest there had been five official match-ups and an unofficial international match between the two sides and Scotland, currently seated No. 6 in the World Rugby rankings,  had won the lot.

A week after beating Canada 48-10, Scotland coach Gregor Townsend made 12 changes to his starting lineup with Stuart Hogg coming in to captain the side for Grant Gilchrist.

On a hot night in Houston, Scotland made the early running and delivered the opening try in after just 59 seconds. Stuart Hogg saw a gap and darted through to touch down. The wing converted to put Scotland on the front foot before the USA could fully appreciate the moment.

The boot of Alan MacGinty helped the Eagles stay in the contest after that. He kicked three conversions and three penalty goals to eventually guide the hosts home, after Scotland scored four tries to three.

Scotland had a chance to grab a win in extra time, however they missed a sideline conversion attempt to deliver the USA a thoroughly deserved victory.

Scotland now head for Argentina to face the Pumas in their final summer tour match.

As for USA Rugby, it was time to enjoy the country’s first win over a topline rugby opponent after 94 years of trying.

This was the seventh contest between Scotland and the USA and sets up the latter as it looks ahead to the next Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The U.S. came into the game with a 6-0 record this year, including a dominating 62-13 win over world No. 19 Russia in the first match of their three-game June test series.

The last time the USA battled Scotland was at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England where they lost 39-16.

The U.S. has been improving steadily since their loss to Scotland three years ago. They finished 3-6-1 in 2016 and 6-3-1 last year.

Follow Simon Kent on Twitter: or e-mail to: skent@breitbart.com

 

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