Houston, Texas) 29 November 2001 - Fullback Conrad Jantjes scored
two tries to pace South Africa to a 43-20 win over an energetic
United States in an international rugby match before 11,000 fans in
Houston.

The visitors outscored the Eagles by six tries to one, displaying
superior backline moves and finishing skills, particularly in the
second half. But the final count may have flattered South Africa, who
were on the defensive for long periods of time, especially in the
first stanza.

Jantjes' second try epitomized the difference between the two sides.
In second-half injury time, the USA's Juan Grobler shunned a short
pass to go for the tryline and was tackled just short. South Africa's
counterstrike saw nearly half the side handle the ball, the final
pass springing Jantjes to complete a 10-point turnaround in the
game's scoreline.

We prepared for this game with the mindset that we could win it, and
therefore we're disappointed to lose, interim coach Tom Billups said
after the game's conclusion.

Led by the muscular, athletic Dan Lyle, the Eagles jumped to a 9-5
edge after the game's first 20 minutes, three Link Wilfley penalty
goals topping Jantjes' first try. Tries to the visitors' Lukas van
Biljon and Andre Vos and a Louis Koen penalty then offset a Jason
Keyter drop goal and another Wilfley penalty, giving South Africa a
22-15 halftime lead.

In the second half South Africa reversed the tables, keeping the ball
from the Eagle forwards, who competed well in the loose but were also
hurt by several ill-timed handling errors. Wings Pieter Roussouw and
Dean Hall scored third-quarter tries to stretch the gap to 36-15.

USA prop Mike McDonald then scored an inspiriting try, breaking from
a maul close the Springbok line and stumbling the final yards on his
knees to dot down at 78 minutes. In injury time Grobler too
threatened the line, but Jantjes instead claimed the game's final
score.

Halftime of the match, very well-attended for America, saw the
presentation of the James A. Baker Leadership award to the families
of Mark Bingham and Jeremy Glick, rugby players and two passengers
aboard ill-fated Flight 93. NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez also
performed his signature rendition of 'God Bless America,' creating an
emotional atmosphere shown live in the United States, the United
Kingdom, and South Africa.


United States: Tries: McDonald
Cons: Wilfley
Pens: Wilfley (4)
Drop goals: Keyter


South Africa: Tries: Jantjes (2), van Biljon, Vos, Roussow, Hall
Cons: Koen (5)
Pens: Koen

Referee: Didier Mene (France)

United States: Kurt Shuman; Jone Naqica Koroi (Mose Timoteo), Philip
Eloff, Juan Grobler, Jason Keyter; Link Wilfley, Kevin Dalzell
(Kimball Kjar); Mike McDonald, Kirk Khasigian, Paul Still (Dan
Dorsey), Luke Gross, Eric Reed (Olo Fifita), Kort Schubert, Dave
Hodges (captain), Dan Lyle (Brian Surgener).

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, Pieter Roussouw, Andre Synman (De Wet
Barry), Adrian Jacobs, Dean Hall; Louis Koen, Deon de Kock (Joost van
der Westhuizen); Lawrence Sephaka (Ollie le Roux), Lukas van Biljon,
Cobus Visagie (Willie Meyer), Victor Matfield, Albert van den Berg,
Andre Vos, A.J. Venter, Joe van Niekerk (A. Venter).