March 5, 2017
Eagles 7s Play for Bronze at USA Sevens
Photo: Zimbio
Doug Coil
The USA Men’s Eagles Sevens faced South Africa in the USA Sevens Cup Semi-Finals on March 5th at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. The Eagles Sevens reached the Cup Semis after a thrilling comeback 21-19 win over Argentina Saturday night.
South Africa came back to take the lead in the closing minutes to beat the USA 20-17.
USA v South Africa
The restart went 10 10 meters and curved back. Folau Niua found a gap and offloaded to Andrew Durutalo who found Stephen Tomasin on the wing for a try in the corner. The conversion was wide.
The Eagles Sevens then won the restart as Folau Niua found a gap and after several phases South Africa was penalized 5 meters form the line. Durutalo went in for an apparent try, but the play was called back with a 5 meter USA scrum. Niua then dummied for a try under the post and Hughes converted for a 12-0 lead.
South Africa finally had their first attack at 4 minutes with Siviwe Soyizwapi scoring a try in the corner. Cecil Afrika missed the conversion to leave the score 12-5.
An errant pass by Marin Iosefo to Cecil Afrika allowed South Africa to steal a try and narrow the score to 12-10 prior to halftime.
South africa took advantage of the second half restart, as the ball curved back into thier hands and the ball was swung wide for a Werner Kok try in the corner. South Africa now led 15-12.
A South Afirca attack was turned over by the USA. Perry Baker offloaded to Maka Unufe, who then weaved through South Africa defenders and offloaded to Martin Iosefo to Andrew Durutalo for a try, as the Eagles reclaimed the lead 17-15.
Ben Pinkelman stole a ball at the breakdown near the line, but South Afirca regained possession soon after and Dylan Sage went in for a try in the corner to regain the lead 20-17.
The USA went through multiple phases and Stephen Tomasin spotted that South Arica did not have a sweeper back and kicked long for Perry Baker to sprint downfield. The ball unfortunately bounced out. South Africa won the lineout and kicked to touch for the win.
South Africa will play the winner of Fiji and New Zealand for the gold, while USA will play the loser of that match for the bronze at 4:30pm PT.
Comments
The Eagles Sevens are able to play with brawn and speed. They have established themselves as a threat against the finest teams in the world. They thrilled the crowd at the USA Sevens and will have one more opportunity to do so for the Bronze.
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 – W26-5
- v. Chile – W31-0
- v. England – L24-17
- v. Argentina – Cup QFs W21-19
- v South Africa -Cup SFs
