TOULOUSE, France (AP) — Little has been expected of the United States ahead of its tournament debut at the upcoming rugby league World Cup.
After a remarkable victory in their only warm-up match, however, they could be ready to surprise some people.
The USA Tomahawks pulled off a surprise 22-18 win over fourth-ranked France in Toulouse on Friday, for one of the country’s best results.
U.S. coach Terry Matterson says “this is a real shot in the arm for USA rugby league. We have traveled far and wide to get here.”
The Tomahawks, who will play Wales, the Cook Islands and Scotland in group matches at the World Cup starting Oct. 26, have players in its 24-man squad that have experience in Australia’s NRL and Europe’s Super League.
