April 8, 2016
Women’s Eagles 7s Win Pool Decider Against New Zealand
Photo: USA Women’s Eagles 7s
Doug Coil
The USA Women’s Eagles 7s have been enjoyed dominant performances against both Spain and Japan in the first two Pool matches at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens competition at the Atlanta Sevens leg. They face a real test in a match against New Zealand to decide who wins the Pool. Both teams have booked placed in the Cup quarterfinals. The Pool C winner will be matched against Series Standings Leader, Australia, who finished second in Pool A. The loser will face France who finished second in Pool B.
This was the match of the tournament so far. Quality rugby from both sides, particularly at the breakdowns.
The USA Women’s Eagles Sevens had the first score as Bui Baravilala offloaded to Alev kelter who outpaced the New Zealand Ferns defense. The conversion was not made and the Eagles had a 5-0 lead.
New Zealand would answer back just prior to halftime with a try from the wing. At halftime it was 5 all.
Alev Kelter kicked and the USA collected the restart, but knocked on. The Eagles defensive pressure was intense the entire match. Sarah Goss broke down the field, but was felled with a huge hit by Bui Baravilala. A knock on was the result and the ball went to the USA. At this point Richie Walker made three substitutions.
Another substitution was made with four minutes remaining in the match as Jessica Javalet entered at Wing. This is significant as Javalet will be featured on the highlight videos with the winning try. She went toward touch, but cut back and pierced the defense for a try under the post. Nicole Heavirland converted and the USA advnced to the Cup Quarterfinals as Pool C Winners.
As Pool winners they will face Australia, who finished second in Pool A. Australia will also be present difficulties as they currently lead the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Series standings.
Richie Walker used his arsenal of players during the second half and was not afraid to make changes. The players were prepared for the task and are playing well.
With the matches being played in the United States, the matches have been geoblocked in the USA, but the matches are available on the new The Rugby Channel. Subscriptions are available and the video is excellent.
Keep up with the Atlanta Sevens action by viewing the results at World Rugby. Results Twitter: Atlanta Sevens World Rugby Sevens
Women’s Eagles Sevens | HSBC Atlanta Sevens
1. Jillion Potter (C) 2. Megan Bonny 3. Kate Zackary 4. Meya Bizer 5. Ryan Carlyle 6. Nicole Heavirland 7. Alev Kelter 8. Bui Baravilala 9. Lauren Doyle 10. Richelle Stephens 11. Kristen Thomas 12. Jessica Javelet Coach: Richie Walker
USA Starters v Japan: Jill Potter (c), Bui Baravilala, Megan Bonny, Ryan Carlyle, Alev Kelter, Lauren Doyle, Kristen Thomas
Other Pool matches
- Recap v Spain W 24-0
- Recap v Japan W 33-12
- v. New Zealand – W 12-5
- v Australia – Cup QF Saturday
