CAPE TOWN, RSA. - After a less than ideal weekend, the USA Men's Sevens rallied to defeat England in the 9th Place Playoff and bring their overall record at HSBC Cape Town Sevens to 2-2.
"It has been a frustrating tournament on so many levels but I am pleased with the character we have shown especially in these last two games,' said Head Coach Mike Friday.
"Younger, inexperienced guys have got some valuable big moment gametime and we will be a stronger squad for this. We are all aware we are not where we want to be and we will get home spend some time with loved ones and reconvene for the start of the new year with a grit and determination to climb the Series and build towards the Olympics.'
Despite some very clear challenges which mostly reigned in execution at crucial moments, the United States showed impressive and inspiring perseverance in each game. Against England, penalties ruled both sides but it was the USA who converted on more opportunities despite losing a few which would surely have been points.
England scored their first try from a turnover at the ruck after Danny Barrett clocked a massive line break. Three U.S. tries would follow after that with one by Maka Unufe immediately at the kick off, another by Barrett shortly after and the third on an English grubber kick reclaimed by Carlin Isles.
While most action came at the end of the first half to make it 17-7 at the break, the final seven minutes were filled with choppy, stop-start phases.
Stephen Tomasin nearly upped the USA lead with a massive take at the restart which was turned over on a penalty within two meters of the tryline. Tomasin's yellow card shortly after only paved the way for England's Dan Nortan to threaten a comeback, making it 17-12 with one minute remaining.
In that final minute, Ben Broselle took the restart all the way down the field to nearly dot down in the corner before the referee called a penalty on the run and England took the ball into the final play.
The U.S. did well to hold on, however, claiming the restart and kicking to touch for the win.
Updated standings for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 will be published on world.rugby/sevens-series/standings after the Cup Final.
The USA will now head into a break before returning for the third round of the season in Hamilton Jan 25-26. All matches are streamed LIVE on NBC Sports Gold.
TRIES | Maka Unufe, Carlin Isles, Danny Barrett
CONS | Madison Hughes
STARTERS
3. Danny Barrett
10. Madison Hughes
1. Carlin Isles
9. Stephen Tomasin
8. Maka Unufe
4. Matai Leuta
6. Kevon Williams
SUBSTITUTIONS
11. Perry Baker (7′)
5. Joe Schroeder (11′)
12. Maceo Brown (9′)
2. Ben Broselle (12′)
13. Harley Wheeler (14′)
HSBC CAPE TOWN SEVENS RESULTS
vs Fiji | 14-28 (L)
vs Japan | 42-0 (W)
vs South Africa | 15-21 (L)
9th Place Playoff
vs England | 17-12 (W)
