USA rout Chile to maintain unbeaten start to ARC

Los Angeles - Former Chicago Bears NFL player Paul Lasike scored a try on his debut as the United States maintained their 100 percent start to the Americas Rugby Championship with a 45-13 win over Chile.

Lasike, who was released by the Bears last year after failing to establish himself as a starter, crashed over for a late try at the University of California at Fullerton ground as the Eagles made it three wins out of three.

The reigning ARC champions followed up impressive opening wins against Argentina and Canada by outscoring the Chileans by seven tries to two.

Scrum-half Nate Augspurger launched the rout in the fourth minute, dotting down near the posts after a superb break from fullback Mike Teo released flying wing Ryan Matyas down the left flank.

An opportunistic try by centre Dylan Audsley after relentless USA pressure but the Eagles 10-0 up in the 21st minute.

Chile reduced the deficit to seven points when fullback Tomas Ianiszewski stroked over a penalty on 28 minutes and it remained 10-3 at half-time.

The Eagles however cut loose with a blistering start to the second half, Matyas again proving instrumental in helping set up a converted try by Audsley to make it 17-3.

Audsley turned provider moments later with a break down the left before feeding inside to Bryce Campbell who crossed to make it 24-3.

Chile scored their opening try in the 46th minute when hooker Tomas Dussaillant went charging over after a cleverly worked lineout move, but the US hit back with a converted score from Teo which made it 31-8.

Replacement Malon Al-Jiboori extended the US lead with a try under the posts which sent the home team into a 38-8 lead.

Chile grabbed a consolation through left wing Italo Zunino but the New Zealand-born Lasike rumbled over late on to seal a deserved win.

The US now travel to South America for away games at Brazil and Uruguay knowing that two wins will see them retain their crown.

In other games on Saturday, Canada defeated Brazil 45-5 in Langford while Argentina's XV defeated Uruguay 34-17 in Punta del Este.