USA continued their preparations for Rugby League World Cup 2013 in impressive style, beating France 22-18 in Toulouse on Friday evening.

Following what was described as "the most important victory in the Tomahawks’ surging journey", team personnel were quick to pay tribute to American National Rugby League president David Niu, who has been a driving force for the game in the USA for decades.

The effort he showed to build the code in America was repeated by the players in a hostile Toulouse stadium containing over 3,000 raucous French fans.

Tomahawks' coach Terry Matterson said it was the players' effort, rather than the result, that was most pleasing.

Matterson, a North Queensland Cowboys assistant, was only appointed to the role 13 days ago.

The Tomahawks’ first training session was held the day before the match and in the week leading up to the clash they spent 39 hours travelling in planes, trains, buses and cabs.

Unperturbed, the Tomahawks dominated the ruck early and were rewarded with a slick try to Philadelphia born and raised centre Mike Garvey, who finished a smooth backline movement.

The French quickly found a response, but in he 29th minute USA re-took the lead when Belrose-based halfback and veteran Tomahawk David Marando dived over.

France repeatedly responded as William Barthau scored two tries in an impressive performance and the home team took a 14-10 half time lead.

But the USA team refused to accept their status as an alleged minnow.

The Tomahawks, ranked 12th in the world, clawed their advantage back in the 53rd minute when second rower Matt Shipway barged over following a beautiful short-ball from inspirational captain Joseph Paulo.

Again the French responded with a well-crafted try, however the Tomahawks’ brilliant victory was sealed when Connecticut Wildcats fullback and former Sunshine Coast junior Kristian Freed sneaked over the line in the 73rd minute to make it 18-10.

The Tomahawks were forced to repel repeat sets on their line in the final two minutes and a late sin-binning to hang on for a great result so close to the start of RLWC2013.

The Tomahawks were also missing four of their most seasoned players in Wigan’s Eddy Pettybourne, Salford’s Ryan McGoldrick, Newcastle Knights forward Clint Newton and Wests Tigers hooker Joel Luani, who will all be available for the tournament.

“At the end of the day this was a friendly and it served its purpose but it will give us a lot of confidence,” said Matterson.

“This is a real shot in the arm for USA Rugby League.

“We have traveled far and wide to get here. Concentrating on the outcomes won’t help us, we are concentrating on improving these players and working hard as a team and we will go from there.

“I was just pleased with the effort of everyone but especially the American players.

“I just want the guys to play to the best of their ability in the three World Cup games and if they do that we have a chance at winning each.”