New Zealander Paul Lasike has made a bulldozing debut for the United States off the reserves bench in California.
Lasike, who spent two years on the fringe of the NFL with the Chicago Bears, scored a late try as the USA Eagles beat Chile 45-13.
The powerfully-build midfield back made an impact when introduced in the second half at California State University, making one long break and later crossing off a short pass.
Auckland-born and raised, Lasike played rugby and American Football at Brigham Young University, catching the eye of NFL scouts.
He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015 and then spent two seasons in and out of the Bears practice squad. He had a short stint on their active roster.
USA coach Gary Gold may have seen enough from Lasike to include him in the team's remaining matches in the America's Rugby Championship, in Brazil and Uruguay.
The Eagles have won three matches on home soil, including defeats of an Argentina XV 17-10 and Canada 29-10.
- AAP
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