Usasz signed a new two year contract with Nottingham in April

Nottingham Rugby scrum half Tim Usasz is a step closer to the Rugby World Cup after USA beat Canada 12-6 in the first of a two-game series.

The sides will meet again in Canada on Saturday, with the aggregate winner taking the Americas only slot in the 2011 tournament.

Usasz said: "It was great to get a win against Canada. We were playing in 34 degree heat but I enjoyed it.

"Saturday will be a difficult game but we're going in with that advantage."

USA fly half Mike Hercus slotted a first-half penalty and a drop goal, while Bedford Blues' James Pritchard kept the Canadians in touch with two successful penalties.

I'm looking forward to next week's game at their place and hopefully I'll be involved again Tim Usasz

Pritchard missed an opportunity to bring his side level after 74 minutes, while a 77th minute penalty allowed USA to finish six points ahead.

Usasz added: "It was good to get a game against a couple of the lads we play against in the league.

"(Cornish) Pirates scrum half Ed Fairhurst was my opposite number and it's always good to go out there and get stuck in against someone like that.

"I'm looking forward to next week's game at their place and hopefully I'll be involved again."

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