Eagles Sevens Gain Cup Final at USA7s

The USA Rugby Men’s Eagles Sevens have been a craft, physical, and explosive team at the USA7s stop of the HSBC Sevens Series in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Eagles advance to the Semi-Finals after a 17-12 win against England, while Fiji came back to defeat New Zealand 14-10.

First blood went to Fiji as Sevulani Mocewacagi fended Martin Iosefo and went in for a try, which was then converted for a 7-0 lead.

The Eagles attack through phases just prior to the break was halted by a knock on.

The second half restart was lost forward resulting in a USA scrum. Perry Baker took the ball in-goal and stepped three defenders and raced the length of the pitch for a try under the posts. Niua converted to level the match at 7 all.

Fiji appeared to be on pace to score, but Nasilasila knocked on 5-meters from the line. The USA took the 5-meter scrum and during their attack, Naduva was sent to the bin for Fiji. A Folau Niua offload to Matei Leuta resulted in a try. Niua converted again for the USA’s first lead at 14-7.

From the restart, the Eagles attacked again and after a team effort, Baker, Iosefo, and Niua each touched the ball in the last phase before an offload to Baker ended with his second try in the corner. This was Baker’s 157th try for the Eagles.

With only 30 seconds remaining, it was unsettling to see Maka Unufe being helped to walk slowly off the pitch. It is hoped that his injury is not serious.

Folau Niua elected to kick the restart deep, bouncing in-goal. Fiji advanced the ball to midfield, but Danny Barrett ended the match driving the attacker into touch for the victory.

The Eagles will face Argentina, who upset South Africa 12-10 in the Cup Final.

To read about how the Eagles Sevens advanced to the Cup Semi-Finals, click here.