• Buoyed by the return of number eight and captain Dan Lyle, the USA jumped to a 2-1 start in the 1999 Epson Cup, newly expanded to incorporate Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. The Eagles upended Tonga and Fiji in San Francisco, but fell to old rival (and likely champion) Japan in Honolulu. Also in 1999, the US debuted in new kit from traditional rugby manufacturer adidas.

Wing Brian Hightower seeks to elude a Japanese tackler in June's Honolulu matchup.

Brian Hightower takes the low road through the Japanese defense.

Brian Hightower on this way to his third try in three Epson Cup games this season.

Hooker Tom Billups powers through the gap to score against Japan, the Eagles' fourth try of the high-scoring affair.

Tom Billups grounds a try to celebrate his 38th international match for the United States, tying Chris Lippert's all-time record

Captain Dan Lyle goes high in the air to claim kickoff ball from Japan. Luke Gross, Philippe Farner (both left), and Richard Tardits move in to support.

Lock Philippe Farner goes high to steal lineout ball from Japan in June's Epson Cup match in Honolulu.

US number eight and captain Dan Lyle shrugs off Japanese captain Andrew McCormick in an open-field encounter.

Dan Lyle prepares to strip Japan's Jamie Joseph of the ball, after teammate Richard Tardits had grounded the former All Black.

Skipper Lyle leads the US onto Honolulu's Kapiolani Park for June 12's Epson Cup match against league-leading Japan. Famous Diamondhead forms the backdrop.

Kevin Dalzell heads for his second try of the season, as Ray Lehner, Philippe Farner, and Tom Billups race in support of the fiery halfback.

Center Mark Scharrenberg overpowers Japan's Greg Smith to score. Midfield partner Juan Grobler lies obscured on the ground after giving a last-second pass to spring his teammate.

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