March 3, 2017
Eagles 7s Defeat Samoa in First USA Sevens Pool Match
Doug Coil
The HSBC USA Sevens is being held March 3-5, 2017 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the fifth leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and will be streamed live in the United States via NBC Sports digital platforms.
The Eagles 7s are off to a excellent start, as they beat Samoa 26-5. They play Chile at 8:36 PT.
USA v Samoa Recap
Samoa took the restart ad at the breakdown the USA turned over the ball and went on the attack. Perry Baker went into contact and Samoa was penalized. Danny Barrett took the quick tap and went in for the try. Madison Hughes converted for a 7-0 lead.
Once again Samoa was penalized at the breakdown and Folau Niua kicked for territory. Two phases later Danny Barrett dove over for a try in the corner. Hughes conversion from touch went wide right, but the Eagles had a 12-0 lead.
Samoa attacked down inside the USA 22 meters, but was unable to punch in a score prior to halftime.
The Eagles 7s went through multiple phases to begin the second half and a dummy by Folau Niua was enough for him to go in for a try. Hughes slotted the conversion and it was 19-0.
Samoa came right back after the restart and Tila Mealoi scored in the corner to narrow the score to 19-5.
The USA had one more try left after the hooter as Danny Barrett went in for his hat trick try. Hughes converted for the 26-5 win.
Men’s Eagles Sevens – HSBC USA Sevens
1. Pat Blair 2. Ben Pinkelman 3. Danny Barrett 4. Matai Leuta 5. Walt Elder 6. Andrew Durutalo 7. Folau Niua 8. Maka Unufe 9. Stephen Tomasin 10. Madison Hughes (C) 11. Perry Baker 12. Martin Iosefo
Men’s Eagles Sevens – HSBC USA Sevens
v. Samoa – Friday, March 3 @ 8:37 p.m. ET
v. Chile – Friday, March 3 @ 11:36 p.m. ET
v. England – Saturday, March 4 @ 7:24 p.m. ET
