Australia 12 USA 15

An emotional Mike Harvey struggled to fight back the tears after helping USA pull off a herculean upset against defending champions Australia in the World Rugby Classic.

Perhaps the most unexpected result in the Classic’s 25-year history, Harvey’s tears of joy pretty much summed up what last night’s victory meant to the USA, so often the annual tournament’s whipping boys.

In Harvey’s words, the USA had grown accustomed to being “spanked” by the Classic’s so-called big boys, earning them an unwanted reputation of being plucky losers who put on a brave show.

Last night those painful spankings finally came to a halt with no player epitomising the USA’s never-say-die attitude more than Harvey, who laid the foundations for their memorable victory with a try in the first few minutes.

The diminutive winger delivered a star-spangled display for his side who will now face much-fancied South Africa in Thursday’s semi-finals following their 15-0 win over France in the night’s opening match.

For Harvey, USA’s shock win over the Wallabies, who defeated South Africa in last year’s final, was undoubtedly the highlight of his rugby career.

“This is my fourth year (at the Classic) and we’ve never won on the first night,” he said. “We’ve been spanked by South Africa, spanked by New Zealand and spanked by Australia.

“I was crying after the game you know, tears of joy, and no disrespect to South Africa but we’re not done yet.

“All glory to God, this is unbelievable, I’m at a loss for words here man.

“In my lifetime I can’t remember a more memorable win on such a high stage against folks that I’ve watched on TV and idolised.

“To be on the same pitch as them and to compete and win is just incredible.”

Only the most one-eyed USA fan would have given their side much hope of claiming the prized scalp of the Wallabies before the game.

But by the end of 60 minutes of thrilling and captivating rugby, only those of Antipodean persuasion at North Field had not been converted into firm believers by Harvey and the Eagles.

“We absolutely believed we could win. You know, you have to believe when no one else gives you a chance and you have to dig deep and believe in yourself and your teammates,” added Harvey.

“There was just 15 of us on the field but we all gave everything we had and came out on top.”

Harvey’s third minute try gave USA the perfect start although Australia soon responded when Andrew Walker burst over for line for a try converted by Wade Grintell.

Simon Price put Australia firmly in the driving seat when he powered through for his side’s second try but USA remained defiant and pulled level after the interval through a try by Simon Dodge which Paul Holmes converted. It was through the right boot of Holmes that USA sealed their famous win when the stand-off kicked home a penalty late on.

In yesterday’s opening match, South Africa defeated France thanks to tries from Dave von Hoesslin and Victor Matfield. Percy Montgomery also kicked a penalty and a conversion in his team’s hard-fought victory.