August 9, 2016
Team USA Men’s Rugby Opens Rio Olympic Sevens Against Argentina
Photo: Team USA Men’s Rugby Sevens
Doug Coil
This article is based on a USA Rugby Release.
Team USA open its Rugby Sevens campaign at the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games today against Argentina at noon ET at Deodoro Stadium. Madison Hughes will captain the side.
The team opens with two matches on Tuesday against fifth ranked Argentina and then against host Brazil at 5pm ET. The first U.S. match will be aired live on NBC Sports Network, while CNBC will pick up the live broadcast of the second round of pool play. In the United States, the full television listings can be found on NBCOlympics.com.
Mike Friday indicated “We are in a good place. Relaxed, focused, and eager to get on with playing. It’s going to be a very tough game as there is nothing between the two teams in the form book. We need to ensure we execute our basics, outwork Argentina, and stay in the moment.”
The women’s Olympic Sevens concluded with Australia, New Zealand, and Canada finishing with gold, silver and bronze on the podium while the U.S. placed fifth. The men now are the focus in a sport that has excited people at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. The three-day event will end with the medal round Thursday, Aug. 11.
The United States concluded this year’s World Rugby Sevens series in sixth place, two points behind Argentina. Madison Hughes lead the circuit in scoring, while Perry Baker was second in tries. Folau Niua and Maka Unufe will connect speedsters Perry Baker and Carlin Isles on the wings and the forwards will include Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender, Andrew Durutalo and Ben Pinkelman.
Zack Test, the USA all-time leading try-scorer is an attacking threat and provides leadership. Both Chris Wyles and Nate Ebner add years of professionalism to the squad.
The USA is prepared should an injury arise, as Nate Augspurger, Martin Iosefo and Shalom Suniula have extensive experience on the Sevens circuit.
Team USA Rugby Sevens Squad – Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games
1. Carlin Isles 2. Ben Pinkelman 3. Danny Barrett 4. Garrett Bender 5. Zack Test 6. Andrew Durutalo 7. Folau Niua 8. Maka Unufe 9. Chris Wyles 10. Madison Hughes 11. Perry Baker 12. Nate Ebner
Team USA Rugby Sevens – Traveling Reserves
Nate Augspurger, Martin Iosefo, Shalom Suniula
Team USA Rugby Sevens Squad | Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games
v. Argentina – Tuesday, Aug. 9 @ noon ET – LIVE on NBC Sports Network & online
v. Brazil – Tuesday, Aug. 9 @ 5 p.m. ET – LIVE on CNBC & online
v. Fiji – Wednesday, Aug. 10 @ 12:30 p.m. ET – LIVE on USA & online
