If confidence could be injected into a team at the perfect moment, now would be the time. With a Rugby World Cup just ten months away, the Eagles desperately need to rediscover their winning feeling.

From my days in a USA jersey, November tours brought the ultimate challenge of facing seasoned European nations, already well into their domestic seasons and playing in their own backyard. This Eagles side faces a similar challenge in the final three rounds of the Nations Cup, although their European tour begins against Asian opposition.

First up is 24th-ranked Hong Kong China in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, followed by 21st-ranked Romania, a familiar opponent against whom the USA have enjoyed success. Then comes potentially their toughest test of all against 13th-ranked Georgia in Tbilisi, where the Eagles will be looking to end a 13-year wait for victory.

The Eagles enter November ranked 15th in the world. While the Nations Cup offers optimism following three victories on home soil in July, performances since have told a different story.

For head coach Scott Lawrence, an aggregate 113-13 defeat across two matches against Australia XV last month makes uncomfortable reading, particularly following defeats to Japan and northern neighbours Canada in September’s Pacific Nations Cup.

There is, however, important context.

Injuries and unavailability have plagued the Eagles since July, with now 21 members of the Elite Playing Squad unavailable for November. Lawrence has consequently been forced to stress-test his squad, offering valuable opportunities to players who could have significant roles at next year’s World Cup.

Eagles supporters should recognise that recent frustrations will only fuel the desire to improve. There are problems that aren’t rocket science to fix, and individuals who must step up.

I genuinely believe that if the Eagles address those areas, they have every chance of lifting the Nations Cup trophy later this month.

Defensive improvements and reducing the turnover count are obvious necessities, but arguably the biggest area to shore up, following the Australia XV series and even dating back to the PNC, is the inconsistency at set piece.

If there’s one thing I remember about playing in places like Bucharest and Tbilisi in November, it’s that you need a strong platform.