Eagles 7s vs. New Zealand
The Eagles 7s defeated Tonga 29-7 in their first Pool C match at the Silicon Valley 7s at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. Stephen Tomasin scored four tries and Kevon Williams added another in the win.In the other Pool C opening match, the Cóndores 7s upset New Zealand 7-0.
The second round matches had the Eagles beating New Zealand 24-12 and Chile beating Tonga 39-0. Both the United States and Chile are 2-0 and will advance to the Cup Quarterfinals tomorrow. The Eagles 7s will play Chile next at 8:00 pm PT, completing their Pool play.
All matches for the November 4-5, 2017 tournament are being streamed live by USA Sevens Rugby on their Facebook page.
Eagles 7s Defeat New Zealand – Recap
New Zealand was off to a fast start against the Eagles 7s from a Luke Masiewa try for a 5-0 lead. Masiewa added a second try soon after by stepping Folau Niua and fending Martin Iosefo. After Luteru Laulata’s conversion, the lead was 12-0.
The Eagles 7s came right back on the attack after Ben Pinkelman caused a New Zealand penalty at the breakdown. Folau Niua kicked for territory and after winning the lineout, New Zealand was penalized for a high tackle. Pinkelman took a quick tap and went in for a try to narrow the lead to 12-5.
The USA went through multiple phases after the restart and with no time remaining, an Iosefoto to Leuta pass could not be handled 5 meters from the line.
Second Half
The Eagles continued to apply pressure going through several phases before Martin Iosefo stepped three defenders for a try. Niua then converted to knot the match at 12 all.
The Eagles 7s claimed the restart and Pinkelman broke through a seam in the defense. New Zealand was penalized again and Niua’s kick for territory resulted in a lineout 5 meters out. The USA promptly knocked on the ball, but Stephen Tomasin won a turnover. Soon after a Tomasin break to within 5 meters was finished by Joe Schroeder as he stretched his 6’5″ frame over the line for a try. Niua converted again and the USA had their first lead, 19-12.
The Eagles once again attacked from the restart after Maka Unufe tapped the ball back. Tomasin streaked down the wing and dove into the corner for a try and a 24-12 win.
The Eagles are 2-0 and will face undefeated Chile in their last Pool C match. Both teams will advance to the Cup Quarterfinals tomorrow.
Silicon Valley 7s Schedule
USA Rugby Men’s Sevens – Saturday, November 4th, 2017
United States v Tonga – W 29-7
United States v New Zealand – W 24-12
United States v Chile – 8:00pm PT (11pm ET)
Squads & Silicon Valley 7s Preview
USA: 1. Malon Al-Jiboori 2. Ben Pinkelman (C) 3. Joe Schroeder 4. Matai Leuta 5. Ryan Matyas 6. Anthony Welmers 7. Folau Niua 8. Maka Unufe Jr. 9. Stephen Tomasin 10. Chris Mattina 11. Kevon Williams 12. Martin Iosefo 13. Madison Hughes
USA Rugby Men’s Sevens Staff: Mike Friday (Head Coach), Chris Brown (Assistant Coach), Brian Green (Physio), Paul Goulding (Team Analyst), Sarah Sall (Team Manager)
New Zealand: 1 Jesse Houston 2 Mark Telea 3 Jordan Hyland 4 Salesi Rayasi 5 Luke Masiewa, 6 Whira Meltzer 7 Luteru Laulata 8 Te Rangatira Waitokia 9 Chase Tiatia 10 TJ Vaega 11 Emerson Mason 12 Levi Harmon
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