HONG KONG - It was practically whiplash watching the Men's Eagles Sevens take the pitch against Wales in match two of Pool D at Hong Kong Sevens. After their first battle saw them edge a last minute comeback to draw with France, the United States went on a complete scoring frenzy, notching 7 tries by 7 different players for a 47-5 rout of Wales at Hong Kong Stadium. With unquestioned momentum, the USA are now riding with fire into their final match of pool play against unbeaten Argentina at 3:38 AM ET, LIVE on ESPN3.
The beginning of the match almost mirrored challenges USA encountered at the start of the tournament. Mishandled balls became turnovers, and turnovers became points for Wales for the first try of the contest, 0-5. But then, something truly remarkable happened.
With the early jitters behind them, unmatched playmaking from Folau Niua got the Eagles back in the game. Niua — the engine of the squad — started with a toss to Perry Baker who made an easy run up the middle for the first score, 7-5. Then, with an unprecidented aptitude for managing the breakdown, Niua made another offload to Martin Iosefo who dashed in for the second one, 12-5.
As the first seven minutes was nearing its end, USA Captain Ben Pinkelman drove in one more (21-5) and the United States had made a statement before the half.
Upon return, it was clear the tables had turned. This time, it was Wales who had difficulty passing the ball and trouble covering gaps, leaving much of the energy up for grabs to a team on fire.
Maka Unufe, Matai Leuta, Brett Thompson (first of the season) and Carlin Isles all crossed the line, building a 42-point gap on the scoreboard that only one other team (South Africa) has matched in the tournament thus far.
With Isles' try closing out the match on the final play, fans at Hong Kong Stadium were left stunned.
The 47-5 win over Wales was undoubtedly a team effort; with each Eagle finding the right space, adjustment and visibility to contribute to all seven tries crossing the line. The final battle of pool play will see USA face an unbeaten Argentinian squad who is hungry to answer back from their Cup Final loss to the U.S. in Las Vegas.
And, in that spirit, come 3:38 AM ET — LIVE on ESPN3 — all eyes will be glued to the pitch.
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
LIVE on ESPN Networks
vs. France | 24-24 (D)
vs. Wales | 47-5 (W)
vs. Argentina | Sat, Apr. 7 - 3:38 AM ET
