USA Women Lose Against Russia at Sydney Sevens

February 2, 2017

USA Women Lose Against Russia at Sydney Sevens

Doug Coil

The second leg of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, the HSBC Sydney Sevens began on February 3-4, 2017 (2 & 3 in USA) in Sydney, Australia. Australia, the reigning gold medalists and series 2016 champions, top Pool B with Brazil, Ireland and Fiji also in the Pool. In Pool A, New Zealand Black Ferns are joined by Canada, France and Papua New Guinea, while in Pool C are Russia, England, Spain and the USA.

The Sydney Sevens include a 12 team women’s tournament and a 16 team men’s tournament. The women will lead the event on Friday, while sharing the stage on Saturday with the Men’s Sevens Series. For the women, it represents the second leg of six of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s  Sevens Series. For the men, it will be the 4th leg of the Series after the Wellington Sevens next weekend.

Preview article USA Women’s Sevens Squad Selected For Sydney Sevens

USA v Russia

The USA Women’s Eagles Sevens went on the attack early and on an Alve Kelter offload to Naya Tapper brought her to near the try line. After the tackle, she quickly got to her feet and touched down for a try and a 5-0 lead over Russia.

On the restart the ball was kicked directly into touch and provided a set play at midfield for Russia. Russia moved the ball to the USA 22 meter line and Zdrokova went in for the try to level the match at 5 all. Despite attacks by both teams at halftime the score remained tied at 5 all.

The USA reclaimed the lead early in the second half when Russia lost the ball and Naya Tapper quickly retrieved the ball and was in for her second try and a 10-5 lead.

Russia stormed back after a missed tackle resulting in Mikhatsova finding a gap for a long try under the posts. The conversion was made and Russia took the lead 12-10. She would then add a second try after Russia swung the ball from side to side. With the conversion the match was 19-10 in favor of Russia. Although the USA had a final attack, the ball went into touch and Russia exited with the first Pool win.

The USA will play England, who won 19-10 against Spain at 11:12pm ET and end pool play at 1:54am ET tomorrow against Spain. The matches will be broadcast live via The Rugby Channel.

Women’s Eagles Sevens – HSBC Sydney7s
1. Cheta Emba 2. Kristen Thomas 3. Kelly Griffin 4. Ryan Carlyle 5. Nicole Heavirland 6. Alev Kelter 7. Naya Tapper 8. Kate Zackary 9. Joanne Fa’avesi 10. Kayla Canett 11. Hope Rogers 12. Sarah Buonopane

HSBC World Women’s Sevens Series:  Sydney Sevens Pools & Schedule

Pools: Friday, Feb 3rd

• A – New Zealand, Canada, France, Papua New Guinea
• B – Australia, Fiji, Ireland, Brazil
• C – Russia, England, Spain, USA