Langford, B.C. – For the second time this season, the Women’s Eagles Sevens have swept pool play.
In the final match of Pool C against France, the United States remained defensively resilient, overcoming a late yellow card, a number of stoppages and a respectable fight by France which could have all easily allowed the match to spiral out of control. Following defeats of both Spain and Fiji in the first two games, and after two tournament-ending injuries to Jordan Matyas (upper body) and Meya Bizer (lower body), the U.S. continued to band together.
“I’m pleased with our second half performances as we stayed in the fight. Ilona’s try-saving tackle two minutes from full time with only six players on the pitch sums up how much this group means to each other and how strongly we believe in what we’re doing,” said Head Coach Chris Brown.
“As for tomorrow, we need to get excited about the ruck zone. At times today, we were hesitant in cleaning our ball. We have to do the right thing for the team and let the ball go to the best channels. Keeping seven players on the pitch at all times is non-negotiable.”
With two early penalties by France, the United States had its first attacking opportunity at halfway. Nana Fa’avesi made a strong run to gain several meters and the Eagles Sevens were deep inside French territory. From there, Kristi Kirshe took the ball on the wing and torched the field as she has all day to score the first U.S. try, 7-0.
Immediately after, Fa’avesi made an almost identical run on the right flank, spotting a shallow gap to take it all the way just right of the posts, 12-0.
The early 12-0 lead built confidence on the United States side but with the score still within their midst, France was unhindered by the gap on the scoreboard.
In the second half, the French won a scrum and grubber kicked into USA territory where the ball slipped just narrowly out of touch. The United States remained patient from the ensuing lineout, focusing on one phase at a time until Naya Tapper made a run on the outside and was tackled just short of a clear breakway.
As the Americans continued to fight for possession, intensity rose and Alev Kelter drew a yellow card. With only six players on the pitch, little time remaining and a French team with everything still to play for, the next few minutes were crucial.
The U.S. defense was unwavering, however. Just as France had made it into the try zone, Ilona Maher used her strength to hold up the try and redirect play to the scrum. After the set piece, a brilliant tackle by Abby Gustaitis forced a knock on against France and the U.S. returned to full strength with only seconds remaining.
France fought with every fighting breath to make two heroic plays before fulltime but the United States were equally physical defensively. As the siren blew, the U.S. kicked to touch and the match had closed with a 12-0 American victory.
Having now swept pool play for the second straight tournament, the Women’s Eagles Sevens have opened the gates for an exciting battle with home team and rival-Canada in tomorrow’s Cup Quarterfinals. The match kicks off at 12:40 PM ET, LIVE on facebook.com/worldrugby7s.
WOMEN’S EAGLES SEVENS STAFF
Head Coach | Chris Brown
Head of Physical Performance | Matt Long
Head Performance Analyst | Dave Gardner
Athletic Trainer | Nicole Titmas
Team Manager | Liz Strohecker
HSBC CANADA WOMEN’S SEVENS SCHEDULE
Pool C | Broadcast LIVE on World Rugby Sevens Facebook
vs Spain | 21-12 (W)
vs Fiji | 28-7 (W)
vs France | 12-0 (W)
Cup Quarterfinals
vs Canada | 12:40 PM ET
View Pool Draw Here
Visit World Series Stats Center
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