Friday could be marked off as the day USA came to play. Both the men’s and women’s USA Rugby Sevens teams came to their individual tournaments with purpose and tenacity, as they would both go 3-0 in pool play.
The USA Women’s Eagles would set the tone with a convincing win during the Atlanta Sevens Tournament held at Kennesaw State University. The USA Women would take a commanding win over Spain, shutting them out 24-0. The women would continue to build their momentum with a win over Japan, 33-12, a match that first time Women’s sevens series participant, Nicole Heavirland, her first two scores as a USA women’s sevens player. The USA Women would end pool play with a tight win over New Zealand, 12-5. This was marked off the impeccable speed play of Jessica Javelet.
USA Men’s Eagles wanted to leave a message on one of the biggest stages in the HSBC Sevens Series at Hong Kong Sevens. They kicked it off right away with a smashing win over Portugal, defeating them 21-5. But it wouldn’t be a USA match without a little excitement. As USA fell behind early 14-0 to Argentina. After that, the jets would go off. Perry Baker would get two tries against Argentina, and the Eagles would score 26 unanswered points to defeat Argentina, 26-14. Finally, the USA would take on Australia, the only team they haven’t beaten in this series. In front of the massive crowd in Hong Kong, the USA put on a clinic that would show off the brutal power of Danny Barrett and the blinding speed of Perry Baker, as the USA would take the win 22-7 over Australia.
Both USA men’s and women’s Eagles will open today’s rounds with in the Cup quarterfinals. The USA Women will take on Australia, while the USA Men will face off against South Africa. Great rugby action so far this weekend, and so much more to go from here.