The South African duo of Ruben de Haas and Hanco Germishuys were front and centre as the United States defeated Canada 38-16 to claim a 59-50 aggregate victory in their 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying tie.

The Eagles, coming off a 34-21 defeat in Newfoundland last week, scored four first-half tries to lead 25-9 at the interval on the way to a victory at Infinity Park Stadium in Glendale, Colorado.

Former Sharks Academy flanker Germishuys scored three tries while Cheetahs halfback Ruben de Haas crushed a 45-metre drop goal that pushed the score to 28-9.

De Haas also scored the Eagles’ first try of the second half before Joe Taufete’e – the regular hooker making a rare appearance at prop – crashed over from the back of a maul.

Christian Dyer added a try for the United States and flyhalf AJ MacGinty added the extras to go with a penalty.

With the win, the Americans booked a two-leg playoff with Uruguay – set to take place on October 2 and 9 – for a place at the 2023 World Cup in France.

Canada, who last week notched their first win over the Eagles since 2013, can still qualify for France.

They will now take on Chile for a chance to play the loser of the series between the United States and Uruguay.

— AFP