February 4, 2017
Men’s Eagles 7s Win Sydney 7s Pool Despite Loss to Russia
Doug Coil
The USA Men’s Eagles Sevens faced Argentina in the opening match of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Sydney Sevens. The USA led from start to finish, but Argentina pierced their defense after the match was in hand to narrow the final score to 22-19 to the USA. The Eagles Sevens then dominated possession against Canada winning 31-19 and are 2-0 in the pool and have clinched a Cup Semi-final spot.
The USA entered their last pool match against Russia knowing that they had secured the top seed in the Pool and having secured a spot in the Cup quarterfinals. As a result, they had a chance to rest some of their starters against Russia. This is not to say that they took Russia lightly, as Russia was playing well in the tournament.
The men’s matches at the Sydney 7s have been streamed by worldrugby.org.
USA v Russia
The match gave Russia an initial advantage as Stephen Tomasin kicked the opening restart into touch giving Russia the ball at midfield. Russia attacked deep into USA territory before the USA regained possession and a pass to Don Pati was missed in-goal, but touched down with Pati injuring his arm and needing to be replaced at the 2nd minute.
The Eagles then had a penalty near their posts and kicked for touch and a lineout. Russia gained possession and the ball went to Dmitry Sukhin wide for the try and a 5-0 lead.
Just prior to halftime, Carlin Isles chased down a defensive kick and worked his magic with a long try. After the Tomasin conversion, the Eagles took a 7-5 lead into halftime.
The USA entered the match playing with eleven men and during the first half sustained injuries to Don Pati and Pago Haini. This would mean that the intent to rest several starters would need to change.
The second half restart was knocked on by Martin Iosefo and Danny Barrett picked up a penalty on the play. Russia kicked for touch and off a 5 meter lineout, Eduard Filatov wnet in for a try. The conversion was made by Sukhin and Russia reclaimed the lead 12-7.
On the ensuing restart, the USA used quick hands to get the ball to Carlin Isles and he beat three defenders with his log try. Tomasin converted again and the USA had a 14-12 lead.
The USA had another attack with Connor Wallace-Sims booting the ball downfield, but a knock on halted the attack. Soon after Danny Barrett was sent to the bin for a late tackle. Russia was able to capitalize despite Carlin Isles tackle of Roman Roshchin, as he managed to get the ball to Vladislav Lazarenko for the try and a 17-14 win.
With England’s 28-15 win over South Africa, the Eagles will play South Africa in the Cup Quarterfinals. The Blitsboke will be without Werner Kok, who was injured against Kenya. He will be replaced by Stephan Dippenaar.
Men’s Eagles Sevens – HSBC Wellington Sevens
1. Carlin Isles 2. Matai Leuta 3. Danny Barrett 4 Chris Coyle 5 Don Pati 6. Andrew Durutalo 7. Folau Niua 8. Connor Wallace-Sims 9. Stephen Tomasin 10. Madison Hughes (C) 11. Perry Baker 12. Martin Iosefo 13. Pago Haini
Starters: Leuta, Tomasin, Durutalo,Haini, Isles, Pati, Wallace-Sims
Men’s Eagles Sevens – HSBC Sydney7s
