DUBAI, UAE - So far this season, England and the United States have been a well-even pairing on the HSBC World Rugby Women's Seven Series as the two have met in both Glendale and Dubai. The Red Roses have otherwise claimed victory on both occasions, but only by a collective 4 points after a heartbreaking 14-12 win today. The Women's Sevens level their record on the day at 1-1 heading into the final Pool B match-up with Australia.
Alev Kelter got things underway with a kick off to the right where Cheta Emba was tracking under it and almost able to steal possession. England would recover and begin the opening phase near midfield. The Red Roses retained the ball for most the early going, looking for holes up the middle, but physical defense from the US kept them in check.
A vital turnover gave the US their first attack where Emba carried to the line, but was held back by Helena Rowland. Still on her feet and collecting tackles from English defenders, Emba was able to power herself toward the end zone and roll away over the line. In an impressive display of power, the US earned first points and a 7-0 lead.
Keeping momentum on the US side, Kelter reached out to intercept a pass from Emma Uren, but leading to an England line out, Abbie Brown is able to breakaway up the middle and tie the score. Shortly after, England found themselves knocking on the door but would lose the ball into touch and send us to halftime knotted at 7 a side.
Into the second half, the physicality from each team visibly spiked as Emba collected a penalty near midfield, giving Nicole Heavirland a kick to touch, earning some yards in the US favor. A few coast to coast phases later, Naya Tapper would barge through a tackle to collect the try. This would be her first of the tournament. With three minutes left, the Eagles lead 12-7.
Despite a penalty to Ilona Maher and what seemed to be a classic Kelter breakaway, the US was held from scoring in the final seconds, allowing Amy Wilson Hardy to come of the bench with fresh legs and dot down under posts as time expired. England would convert for the eventual 14-12 win. Regardless of result, we can rest assured the United States and England will be an entertaining match up through the remainder of the series.
Hoping to finish out 2-1, the Women's Eagles Sevens now prepare for Australia and a target a repeat victory from Glendale in October. The Aussies are also 1-1 on the day after defeating China. Kick off at 9:59am ET on World Rugby 7s Facebook, YouTube and Website Match Center.
WOMEN'S EAGLES SEVENS ROSTER
1. Joanne Fa'avesi
2. Abby Gustaitis
3. Cheta Emba
4. Ilona Maher
5. Kristen Thomas
6. Ashlee Byrge*
7. Lauren Doyle (Co-Captain)
8. Alena Olsen
9. Alev Kelter
10. Nicole Heavirland (Co-Captain)
11. Naya Tapper
12. Stephanie Rovetti
*First HSBC World Sevens Series appearance.
WOMEN'S EAGLES SEVENS STAFF
General Manager | Emilie Bydwell
Head Coach | Chris Brown
Performance Analyst | Dave Gardner
Athletic Trainer | Nicole Titmas
Team Manager | Liz Strohecker
EMIRATES AIRLINE DUBAI SEVENS SCHEDULE
Pool B
vs China | W 31-0
vs England | L 14-12
vs Australia | Thurs, Nov. 29 - 9:59 AM ET
