Ben Pinkelman and Folau Niua have created team scoring opportunities. Carlin Isles set a Series record with 9 tries at Hong Kong. Maceo Brown, Marcus Tupuola, Joe Schroeder and Ben Broselle have all contributed when in the match.
Martin Iosefo and Stephen Tomasin continue to be key contributors, with Matai Leuta, Kevon Williams, and Brett Thompson being important members of the team.
The United States are in Pool C and will face Wales, Kenya and England. Wales has proven to be a difficult opponent, despite its 15th ranking. They beat the USA last week in Pool play 21-19. England, who is ranked 5th, has also been a challenge. They are 9 points behind 4th place and will look to have a strong performance in an effort to move to a top 4 spot. Kenya are also a physical team and can not be underestimated.
Head Coach Mike Friday
On our ability to remain resilient amidst injuries…
“We had to absorb some more injuries in Hong Kong which further tested the depth of our squad and also provided opportunities and valuable big game experience for some of the boys. It’s these types of times where young men learn at the coal face and all players have to have those ‘get it wrong to get it right’ moments in big games. This way they have the battle scars to make them better come the next big game, which are coming thick and fast at we hit the end of season business.”
On the competition in pool play…
“It’s another very tricky pool as Hong Kong was and proved to be. Wales hurt us with their guilt and determination and they are fighting for their lives right now in a relegation dog fight. Kenya are also sucked into that dog fight and we saw signs of the power and physicality we associate with Kenya in full flow in Hong Kong. This is a team who raise their game when they face the USA and we will need to match them physically. As for England, we lost narrowly in that game in Hong Kong having gift-wrapped a 21 point start so accuracy and possession are crucial against them as they have their talisman captain Tom Mitchell back this weekend.”
MEN’S EAGLES SEVENS ROSTER
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | HSBC TOURNAMENTS TO DATE |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Carlin Isles | Wing | 48 |
| 2. Ben Pinkelman | Prep/Hooker | 30 |
| 3. Joe Schroeder | Prop | 7 |
| 4. Matai Leuta | Prop | 33 |
| 5. Brett Thompson | Prop | 30 |
| 6. Kevon Williams | Halfback/Wing | 18 |
| 7. Folau Niua | Halfback | 66 |
| 8. Maceo Brown | Center | 7 |
| 9. Stephen Tomasin | Hooker | 28 |
| 10. Madison Hughes (C) | Halfback | 44 |
| 11. Marcus Tupuola | Wing | 3 |
| 12. Martin Iosefo | Center | 40 |
| 13. Ben Broselle | Wing/Prop | 2 |
MEN’S EAGLES SEVENS STAFF
Head Coach | Mike Friday
Assistant Coach | Phil Greening
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Jon Hood
Athletic Trainer | Brian Green
Team Manager | Scott Novack
HSBC SINGAPORE SEVENS 2019
Pool C | Broadcast LIVE on ESPN +
vs Wales | Fri, Apr 12 – 11:06 PM ET
vs Kenya | Sat, Apr 13 – 2:34 AM ET
vs England | Sat, Apr 13 – 6 AM ET
VIEW LIVE POOL DRAW FOR UPDATED MATCHUPS
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