The USA will have its hands full against Ireland, but that's been the case before this year.

Already in 2018 the Eagles have accomplished some first-evers ... such as beating a Tier 1 nation, as well as beating Samoa. There's the undefeated, untied run in the ARC, and the nine straight test match victories.

(Photos from Friday's Captain's Run by Colleen McCloskey)

This has all been done with some serious speed bumps - injuries to AJ MacGinty and a long line of well-known players, for example. By the time this year is done the Eagles will have used over 50 different players, a huge number for a Tier 2 nation that really isn't expected to have that much depth. Only three players, Cam Dolan, Bryce Campbell, and Will Magie, will have played in every test match this season. Dolan will be the only one to start in every one.

All of that, however, is behind them. What's in front of them is Ireland, and the Eagles have some work to do:

1. Win The Goalkicking Game

Whoever is the main goalkicker, and it's likely going to be Magie, will have to be on target. If a team like Ireland can get away with killing the ball in the breakdown and risking penalties when trying to poach, then they have a defensive advantage.

But if Magie (or Will Hooley, or even Shaun Davies) can get the ball over the bar early, that keeps Ireland honest, and could allow the USA to play more quickly through the phases. And then they can ...

 2. Unleash Paul Lasike

There aren't too many players like Lasike in international rugby, and right now he's the top gainline breaker for the USA. He's a punishing runner, and if the Eagles can get him going early, that opens up options. Key on Lasike, and Campbell, or Joe Taufete'e can bust through the line. Or maybe they can cut back and use Hanco Germishuys or Dolan, or go wide to Blaine Scully or Marcel Brache. It's all possible if Lasike hurts Ireland early.

(By the way, Lasike is also one of the best and most active ruckers for the Eagles ... and he has been crucial in helping get two guys into rucks to win quick ball.)

3. Win the Open-Field Kicking Game

Kicking for space has been an up-and-down affair for the Eagles. Kicks have produced tries, and given up promising attacking opportunities. Does Magie kick too much on attack? He probably did against Samoa, and will have to be judicious against Ireland, kicking for space, not to a defender.

4. Win The Lineout, Survive The Scrum

The USA scrum is much improved and the Eagles can handle themselves well enough. That's all they need to do. The problems come when they can't win their own put-in, meaning the opposition can take risks - even giving up a knock-on - because they feel sure they can get the ball back.

But conversely, opposing teams have had trouble in the lineout against the Eagles, and Dolan especially has proven adept as stealing throw-ins. Ireland will be better at the lineout than Romania was last week, but it's still a weapon for the Eagles.

5. Stay Switched On

Soft tries after halftime. Soft tries at the beginning of games. Impatience in the red zone. Frustration at slow progress when going through the phases. 

These can't happen. The USA team has to be focused defensively and offensively. They can't get bored with slow progress, and they can't get caught up in being so aggressive that they run out of position.

Ireland proved they can burn you. The USA needs to be chill.