The USA Eagles were forced to negotiate their way through Repechage to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2003 after losing four of their six matches in the final round of the Americas zone qualification process.
On the back foot after losing their opening two games against Canada, home victories against Uruguay and Chile had given the Eagles fresh impetus. However after two defeats in South America they had Uruguay to thank for their place in the Repechage.
The Uruguayans beat Chile in the final match of the Americas zone qualifiers to clinch second spot for themselves and third place for the Eagles, albeit only on points difference from Chile.
The Eagles originally awaited the winner of Russia and Tunisia in Repechage One, although this became Spain when Russia were expelled for fielding three ineligible players.
A 62-13 first-leg victory in Madrid all but guaranteed their place at RWC 2003, but the Eagles made certain by beating Spain 58-13 in Fort Lauderdale and will now hope to end an RWC eight-match losing streak that dates back to 1987.
The Americans, who failed to qualify for the 1995 event, made a dream start with a 21-18 defeat of Japan on their debut in Brisbane but the closest they have come to winning since was a narrow 27-25 defeat by Romania in 1999.
The two qualifying defeats of Spain in April were followed by victories over Japan and Canada - the first time the Eagles have ever won four consecutive Tests since making their international debut in 1976.
If the Eagles are to prosper then their experienced captain David Hodges and his fellow forwards Dan Lyle and Luke Gross will prove invaluable. A player to watch is winger David Fee, who has also impressed in the IRB World Sevens.