New Cardiff Blues signings Blaine Scully and Cam Dolan helped the USA to a narrow 23-18 victory over Japan in match six of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup at Bonney Field in Sacramento.
Scully started the game on the wing and Dolan in the second row as the USA overcame a half-time deficit to claim a crucial victory in California.
The pair, who will link up with Cardiff Blues after the Rugby World Cup, are next scheduled to be in action when the USA tackle Tonga in Toronto on Wednesday.