March 5, 2016
Eagles on to Quarterfinals despite loss to South Africa
Doug Coil
The Eagles Sevens entered the match having already made the Cup Quarterfinals as the result of Wales beating Canada 17-10.
The Eagles had the initial attack with Folau Niua drawing a penalty at the breakdown. His kick to touch was short, but the USA took the lineout, but the ball was turned over to South Africa. A few offloads later Chris Day had a try in the corner for a 5-0 lead.
Perry Baker advanced the ball to midfield and with South Africa being penalised at the breakdown, Madison Hughes took a quick tap and swung the ball wide. The Eagles were penalised and after a South Africa lineout, they had numbers for a Tuhan Nel try in the corner. Justin Geduld converted for a 12-0 lead.
South Africa third try was the result of a Will Holder and Perry Baker collision. This made it easy for Senatla to increase the lead with a try of his own.
During the second half South Africa moved the ball from one side of the pitch to another before Zack Test poached the ball at the breakdown. The ball came loose and Dylan Sage was uncontested for a try. Geduld converted and the score was 24-0.
On the restart Martin Iosefo was penalised at the breakdown and very quickly Cecil Afrika had the final try for South Africa.
The final score was South Africa 29-0 against the Eagles.
Eagles Starters: Barrett, Bender, TEst, Niua, Hughes, Baker and Iosefo
USA Men’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC USA Sevens
1. Carlin Isles 2. Ben Pinkelman 3. Danny Barrett 4. Garrett Bender 5. Zack Test 6. Will Holder 7. Folau Niua 8. Maka Unufe 9. Nate Augspurger 10. Madison Hughes (C) 11. Perry Baker 12. Martin Iosefo
Men’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC USA Sevens
v Wales – W 19-12
v. Canada – D 26-26
v. South Africa – L 29-0
Cup Quarterfinals v Kenya
Eagles Win & Tie Day 1 USA Sevens
