But that didn't make the match any less entertaining. Especially if you were on twitter or other social media, observing the reactions of new-to-the-game Americans watching rugby (and the All Blacks) for the first time.
Most were in awe. Some couldn't understand why the All Blacks are so good at what they do. But everyone appreciated how entertaining the American commentary team were at calling the game, and how hilarious they were at trying to explain the rules of rugby.
Here are some of the best twitter reactions below.
Watching team USA Rugby vs. The All Blacks.
Rugby is crazy.
— Dylaη Jones (@ItsDylanJones) November 1, 2014Rugby is pretty wild
— Dylan Jones (@DjonesBigWork) November 1, 2014Switching channels between GT-Virginia game and the rugby game on NBC. Makes you realize how intense rugby is.
— Cody Reynolds (@Cody_Reynolds22) November 1, 2014Football players have NOTHING on Rugby. Turn on NBC and watch something truly incredible. Rugby is nuts!!!!!
— #PanikAtTheFrisco (@jedijared182) November 1, 2014Know absolutely nothing about Rugby. But The All Blacks beat the living daylights out of the USA
— Eddie Mannix (@EJMannix) November 1, 2014I don't know Rugby but I see USA lost 74-6 vs All Blacks. I do know one thing.Thats a blow out. Now New Zealand should play us in baseball
— Anthony G (@antghibesi) November 1, 2014I can't believe the USA Rugby Eagles did so bad against New Zealand All Blacks. 39😓39😓😞 #Rugby #USAvNZL
— Brandon Chavez (@Bchavez1897) November 1, 2014Come on, USA. We both know the All Blacks are amazing, but...so are we. Redeem thyselves! #rugby #USAvNZL #USAvAllBlacks
— Brittany McChesney (@brittmick) November 1, 2014Can we please all call any linebreak in rugby a "rumble" from now on please. Thank you. #USAvAllBlacks
— David McGovern (@daveo_irl) November 1, 2014Just watched USA vs The All Blacks. Wow, American commentators make rugby even better.
"And Israel Dagg crosses for a 5!"
— A_Misty_Infidel (@A_Misty_Infidel) November 1, 2014USA v NZ. American commentery is awesome #rugbyfordummies
— Paul Clarke (@ClarkePaul1995) November 1, 2014NBC has given up commentating the game & are now talking about @AllBlacks players not eating deep dish pizza.
— Kat Arnett (@katarnett) November 1, 2014And the best one of the day:
US commentators just said that the @AllBlacks were better than the @chicagobulls of the nineties #highpraiseindeed
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 1, 2014Regardless of how uncompetitive the game was, you have to admit it was awesome seeing the All Blacks play the running game against an energetic-yet-underskilled American squad. We'd be keen to watch that again.