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Subscribe to RSS FeedHercus praise `gutsy` Eagles
US Eagles captain Mike Hercus
United States captain Mike Hercus and coach Peter Thorburn praised the team's gutsy display, despite going down 15-64 to South Africa in their final World Cup pool match in Montpellier on Sunday.
Hercus was full of praise for his team, which scored two tries - including one of the tries of the tournament as Zimbabwean-born speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya outpaced Springbok flyer Bryan Habana just before half-time.
"I'm very pleased with the guts from the guys, they just kept going," Hercus said.
"We wanted to score tries, we wanted to play attractive rugby.
"We obviously have a lot to work on, but it is good that we played in the spirit of the game - we looked to play exciting, constructive rugby."
Hercus also thanks the French public for their support, despite his team failing to win a game in France.
"The support we've had down here [in France] has been amazing. I think it has been a fantastic World Cup for us and big credit must go to the French public - they've been right behind us and it really helps."
The US Eagles coach was equally complimentary of his team,.
"My guys fought for every bit of ground and we didn't seem to get the rub of the green with a lot of the decisions, they seem to go against the minnow sides," Thorburn said.
"I am absolutely proud of them. They fought it out until the end. South Africa put almost their best side out to try and prove something and they got a fairly good workout.
"We've only got four professionals in the side and we're playing against one of the best two teams in the world.
"People will look at the scoreboard, but that is not what the game was about.
"It was fantastic. I am as proud as I was after the England game [which the US lost 28-10].
"Even though we haven't had a win, we have really [scored]," he added.
