Eagles Sevens Win 2018 Hong Kong Sevens Pool D

After opening the 2018 Hong Kong Sevens with a draw against France, the Eagles Sevens team had a dominant 47-5 win over Wales and continued that effort with a 31-17 win over Argentina. In doing so, the team won Pool D and will meet New Zealand in the Cup Quarterfinals at 11:42 pm ET April 7.

USA Rugby Men’s Eagles Sevens v Wales

Wales struck first with a try by Hari Millard for a 5-0 lead. After that, it was all USA.

A Perry Baker try and Folau Niua conversion took the lead for good. A Ben Pinkelman poaches at the breakdown led to a Martin Iosefo try and Niua conversion. Finally, in the first half, Ben Pinkelman added the third USA try after a Maka Unufe tap off the restart, with Folau Niua being perfect with his foot for a 21-5 lead at the break.

The Eagles Sevens kept the pressure on during the second half as Danny Barrett went into contact. Offload by Iosefo and Leuta to Maka Unufe led to a try. Niua continued to split the post and the lead was 28-5.

Then it was Matai Leuta’s turn as an offload by Niua ended in a Leuta try. Stephen Tomasin added the conversion increasing the lead to 35-5. A Carlin Isles offload to Brett Thompson added another try with Tomasin again converting pushed the lead to 42-5.

The Eagles Sevens players were still hungry. Niua found a gap and offloaded to Kevon Williams with Carlin Isles finishing in the corner for a try to end the match with a 47-5 victory.

Eagles Sevens vs. Argentina

Argentina came into the match having beaten Wales 31-10 and France 31-14. They had already booked a place in the Cup Quarterfinals. With France losing 19-7 to Wales preceding this match, the team also was assured of a place in the Cup round.

The USA mindset is to keep their eyes on the prize. Playing well, being physical, taking advantage of attacking opportunities, and defending well. They did this from the opening kick against Argentina.

Perry Baker scored a try to open the match and Danny Barrett added his first of three tries to increase the lead to 12-0. Rodrigo Etchart then cut the lead to 12-5.

The Eagles Sevens team increased their lead to 19-5 at the break from a Martin Iosefo run and an offload to Barrett for his second try.

The USA continued the pressure to begin the second half as Matai Leuta claimed the restart and Danny Barrett finished for a hat trick and a 24-5 lead.

The Eagles Sevens then kept the ball within the forwards using passes and footwork to take some time off the clock. Mike Friday changes the pace inserting Carlin Isles in the match and after an offload to Martin Iosefo, a final try was added for the USA, pushing the lead to 31-5.

With the match decided, Argentina answered back with two quick tries by Laurtaro Bazan Velez and Felipe del Mestre to narrow the final margin to 31-17.

With the win, the USA won Pool D and will face the second place Pool A team, New Zealand in the Cup Quarterfinals.

Men’s Eagles Sevens Traveling Roster Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
1. Carlin Isles. 2. Ben Pinkelman (C) 3. Danny Barrett 4. Matai Leuta 5. Brett Thompson 6. Chris Mattina 7. Folau Niua 8. Maka Unufe 9. Stephen Tomasin 10. Kevon Williams 11. Perry Baker 12. Martin Iosefo 13. Malon Al-Jiboori

Men’s Eagles Sevens Staff Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
Head Coach – Mike Friday
Strength & Conditioning Coach – Jon Hood
Physiotherapist – Brian Green
Team Manager – Scott Novack

Men’s Eagles Sevens Schedule – Pool D Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens
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