Eddie O'Sullivan (Sunlight-images.com)

The US has put itself in the box seat going into next week’s return match in the RWCQ series against Canada after posting a 12-6 win in the opening game on Independence Day in Charleston, SC.

The match was an exciting encounter despite the fact that it came down to a defensive struggle.

Eagle head coach Eddie O’Sullivan was ebullient but also realistic about what the result will mean as both teams head north to Alberta this week.

“Look, I am happy to have those six points in my pocket but we are going into Canada’s backyard now and it is going to be another dogfight, you can be sure about that,” he said with a knowing smile.

Canadian coach Kieran Crowley tipped his hat to the effort the USA put out on that nation’s highest holiday.

“They just out-passioned us and they deserved the win,” said Crowley after the match. “That’s what this series is about – and today we just weren’t good enough.”

Crowley says the US managed to get on the front foot more often and that began to provide an advantage.

“They got good go forward ball and our ball was slow,” offered Crowley. “In the first half we got sucked into their game a little bit and the pressure just kept on.”

Canadian captain Pat Riordan was clearly dejected after the match, but said the team would be able to process what had happened and reset for next weekend’s return match in Edmonton.

“We’ve got to approach next week like any other test match and go out to win it,” he said. “(The USA) will be looking at it the same way. They don’t care about a few points here or there – they want to win the game as well.”

In what came down to a kicking duel in a defensive oriented game, US MVP and flyhalf Mike Hercus booted all the American points via a drop goal and three penalty goals. Canada’s six points came from the boot of fullback James Pritchard.

Hercus downplayed his role saying it was an historic win for this Eagles team.

“I just happen to be the kicker,” said the affable flyhalf. “The forwards did all the hard work. It was a tough game and they played very well.

“We only had five guys on the team, including myself, who had ever beaten Canada before and of course this is our biggest game of the year. This is about as good as it gets.”