March 5, 2017
Eagles Move to Cup Semi-Finals after Comeback Win Against Argentina
Photo: Michael Lee/ KLC Fotos
Doug Coil
The Eagles Sevens faced Argentina in the Cup Quarterfinals at the USA Sevens and came away with a thrilling comeback 21-19 win. They face South Africa in the Cup Semi-Finals at 1:44pm PT (4:44pm ET)
Momentum is a key factor in sevens. The USA needed to deal with an apparent win that was snatched form them by England in the last pool match. Was that a factor in the opening half against Argentina? It’s fortunate that the entire match needs to be played, as the Eagles showed their resolve in gaining the win over Argentina.
USA v Argentina
After the USA won a lineout, the ball went wide to Perry Baker. The ball was lost and Nicholas Menendez made the Eagles pay with a try in the corner. Gastol Revol converted and Argentina took a 7-0 lead.
Danny Barrett nearly leveled the score, but his apparent try was nullified after a consultation among referees for being offsides. Then in the ensuing lineout, Matias Osadczuk was over for a try. Once again Revol converted for a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Argentina capitalized on a stolen ball at the breakdown early in the second half and Luciano Gonzalez Rizzoni added a try for a 19-0 lead.
Maka Unufe was inserted into the match by Mike Friday and immediately paid dividends, scoring down the wing after his first touch for a try. Madison Hughes slotted the conversion to narrow the lead to 19-7.
After the restart, an Argentina player was taken into touch and soon after Unufe split two defenders for a try in the corner. Hughes converted again and the score was 19-14.
Argentina tried to salt away the match by kicking to touch and hoped to add another try from the lineout. Fortunately for the USA, Danny Barrett stole the ball and fed Perry Baker for a 50 meter try under the posts. Hughes calmly converted and the Eagles Sevens squad emerged with a thrilling 21-19 win.
They will face South Africa at 1:44pm PT in the Cup Semi-Finals.
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 – W21-19 Cup QFs
