Rugby World Cup
United States Eagles' rude World Cup awakening good for future, believes Mike Petri
ESPN Staff
October 14, 2015
Rugby World Shield would support 'minnows'

United States scrum-half Mike Petri believes the Eagles' emerging generation now knows what it takes to compete with the rugby elite after exiting the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage.

The U.S. finished bottom of Pool B after defeats to Samoa, Scotland, Japan and South Africa, who produced the only shutout of the tournament to date in the 64-0 win against the Americans at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

And while Petri admitted the World Cup experience had been painful at times, he believes the squad is in good shape looking forward to the 2019 tournament.

"There are exciting things on the horizon for rugby in the US and we have an incredible group of people that will be involved in that process in one way or another," Petri wrote for The Guardian. "There's good young talent within this group and the years ahead look promising.

"Those young players have now been to the World Cup and seen the standard of play that is required. They know that what we brought to the table this time wasn't good enough and they are committed to raising the bar. I'm confident they will."

The former Sale and Newport No.9 admitted with the United States now out of the tournament, he would be supporting Wales' quest for a first World Cup title.

"A few of my former Dragons team-mates are on the Wales squad and it would be amazing to see them continue," Petri added. "It would be an inspirational story if they lift the Webb Ellis Cup -- so from here on in, I'm backing the Welsh."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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