Fukuoka — US coach Gary Gold believes American rugby is starting out on the same track that delivered Japan respect from global rugby’s powers and has tipped the Eagles to reach the knockout rounds within two World Cups.

The US were thrashed 45-7 by Eddie Jones’s England in a poor opener in Japan last week but will aim to redeem themselves in the eyes of fans when they take on three-times runners-up France in Fukuoka on Wednesday...