Another of those brave but ultimately unrewarding displays from the underdog at the Rugby World Cup. But the USA gave us more.

Yes, the limited Eagles were in the contest until midway through the second half. Yes, they were over run in the closing stages by a far more accomplished Irish team.

Pretty much sums up most of the matches at the tournament so far.

But it was hard not to admire the sheer defiance of a side clearly playing on emotion for large chunks.

As was acknowledged with the minute's silence before kickoff, the match was played on the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy in the United States.

Just hours before the game, the US players were paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at a memorial service.

The solemn faces as they filed in and out of St Andrews Presbyterian church this afternoon suggested rugby wasn't on their mind.

It certainly was by the time they hit Stadium Taranaki, tackling manfully against far more adept opponents. Keeping the final margin to just 12 points is something few would have anticipated from a side selected from lower-division competitions around the globe.

After contributing to his team tackle tally of more than 100, US skipper Todd Clever afterwards acknowledged the crowd support and fight of his team.

"In the grand scheme of things, this is a game and we're talking about thousands and thousands of lives... thanks to everybody."

Ironically the US might came face to face with something similar when they play their "Cold War" match against Russia at the same ground on Thursday.

The Russians have openly stated their anguish at the airline tragedy in their country this week that claimed the lives of almost an entire professional ice hockey team.

It's emotion which could translate into another memorable game of rugby a world away.