United States begin John Mitchell era with promising draw against Argentina XV

The United States have begun a new era under coach John Mitchell in promising fashion, drawing with an Argentina XV in the inaugural Americas Championship.

The Eagles had a chance to win the match in the final minute but a penalty attempt from James Bird went wide. Argentina also had a chance to steal the result but they also failed to land a penalty, leaving the score at 35-35.

"We got what we deserved, actually" Mitchell said.

"I don't think we deserved to win the match, nor do I think we deserved to lose it, so it was a good starting point. But a draw is not always something that you enjoy, and also you don't experience too many of them in your career.

"When you do, they're not the same as winning. They almost feel like a loss."

Mitchell will have been buoyed by an attack which scored four tries, with Takudzwa Ngwenya, Cam Dolan, Eric Fry and Todd Clever all crossing for five-pointers.

The Kiwi coach will be further boosted by the return of a number of first-choice players for next week's clash with Canada in Austin.

Argentina, who finished fourth at the recent Rugby World Cup, were a shadow of the squad who pushed Australia and New Zealand in England, with their top players either on duty in Europe or preparing for the Super Rugby season with fledgling outfit, the Jaguares.