USA Finish Second in Pool After Loss to Australia at LA Sevens

The HSBC Sevens Series LA Sevens is being held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA on February 29-March 1.

All matches are being broadcast LIVE and On-Demand on NBC Sports Gold. NBCSN will also provide comprehensive coverage from 8 PM ET to 12 AM ET on Saturday, with extended timings on Sunday at 11:30 AM ET to 8 PM ET.

The United States is in Pool C with Australia, Scotland, and Samoa with the original Series format restored for the next two rounds (LA and Vancouver).

The USA opened pool play with a 19-17 win over Samoa, who are ranked 13th overall after finishing 15th in Hamilton and Sydney. The Samoans made the Cup Final last year in Las Vegas against two-time USA Sevens winner, the USA.

The USA then faced No. 12 Scotland, who opened with a 31-7 loss to Australia. With their 33-12 victory, the team will advance to the Cup Quarterfinals along with Australia, who defeated Samoa 31-5.

Group play ended with the USA losing to Australia 17-7 to finish second to Australia in the pool. The USA will face South Africa in the Cup Quarterfinals at 10:49 PT. Australia play Ireland at 10:05 PT.

USA vs Australia Recap

The first half had Australia scoring three tries for a 17-0 lead at the break. The first had Lachie Anderson scoring after a missed tackle with Lewis Holland adding the extras.

Perry Baker saved a potential try by Trae Williams as his foot went into touch. With the USA entering a breakdown, Perry Baker was sent to the bin for an infraction and Henry Hutchison and Lachie Anderson added tries for a 17-0 lead at the break.

The USA answered back with a Steve Tomasin try after he split defenders with Madison Hughes adding the extras to cut the lead to 17-7. That’s the way it would end with Australia winning the pool and the USA finishing in second. Both teams will advance to the Cup Quarterfinals tomorrow.

USA Eagles 7s: 1 Carlin Isles (Wing, 55) 2 Ben Pinkelman (Prop/Hooker, 35) 3 Danny Barrett (Prop, 52) 4 Joe Schroeder (Prop, 11) 5 Cody Melphy (Halfback, 4) 6 Kevon Williams (Halfback, Wing, 25) 7 Naima Fuala’au (Halfback), 6) 8 Maka Unufe (Center, 41) 9 Stephen Tomasin (Hooker, 35) 10 Madison Hughes (Capt, Halfback, 50) 11 Perry Baker (Wing, 45) 12 Martin Iosefo (Center, 44) 13 Maceo Brown (Center, 12)

STAFF

Head Coach Mike Friday
Assistant Coach Phil Greening
Assistant Coach Anthony Roques
Strength & Conditioning John Hood
Performance Analyst Dave Gardner
Athletic Trainer Brian Green
Team Manager Scott Novack