Day two of the women’s rugby competition in Tokyo began with a final Pool C match for the United States, facing off against 2016 Olympic gold medalists, Australia. The biggest test in pool play, this final fixture would be an indicator for the USA with the quarterfinals looming. In what felt like the most heart-pumping match of the tournament so far, the USA erased a 12-0 deficit in the second half for the comeback win. The Women’s Eagles Sevens drew Great Britain for the quarterfinals and fell to an early deficit, falling out of medal contention in Tokyo. Up next will be China at 9:30pm ET on Friday.
It would only take two converted tries to defeat Australia, despite that squad scoring 74 collective points in the first two matches of pool play. Phases started fairly even with neither team able to put points on the board until five minutes into the first half with a Sharni Williams try for Australia. The USA had possession from a scrum in their own end, but a penalty on Naya Tapper in the same field position gave the ball over with only 5 meters to go for Williams. The reigning champions did well to deadlock the USA offense and power runners early, but a testament to the Eagles for holding the same line and keeping the score 7-0 at halftime.
Back from halftime would be more of the same as the USA was poised to drive after winning the restart, but the referee would whistle penalty as Tapper again looked on the doorstep of points only inches from the line. Perplexed by the call, the Aussies took advantage and paced for an uncontested pitch-length try and 12-0 lead.
The USA finally had their attack together shortly after thanks to some evasive ground covering from Alev Kelter. Cheta Emba picked up the try to start the momentum swing. Clearly on their heels, Australia fumbled possession soon after which allowed Krisi Kirshe and Abby Gustaitis to pick up behind the defense and score. Most importantly from both scores was they came from under posts, setting up Nicole Heavirland for strait shot conversions and the crucial two-point lead with two minutes left. As they did in the match against Japan, the USA focused late on quality possession to drain the clock and claim a 14-12 win.
Cheta Emba commented after the comeback win, “It took everything we had. We’re just thankful we got it done together. There’s no limit when we do it together — one to 13 and everyone back home as well. That’s what it took today. And I think we tapped into it and took it step-by-step. Good or bad. Got the job done.”
on day 2 of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Stadium on 30 July, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby
The quarterfinal match saw the USA paired with Great Britain, a team the Women’s Eagles Sevens were well familiar with in recent weeks, having played each other on five occasions during Olympic tune-up tournament, Quest For Gold Sevens in late June. Team GB ran out to an early lead, scoring 21 unanswered points and ultimately putting themselves out of reach. Possession was almost exclusively in the USA end as restarts and turnovers kept the USA from breaching midfield.
Jasmine Joyce and Abbie Brown tallied the two first half tries, both coming directly off the penalty. The USA did do well to move the ball end to end but struggled to get the direction forward. Great Britain’s defensive wall was focused on containing the American speed. Just before the break, the USA elected for three straight scrums with the hope of pausing play and relieving pressure, but weren’t able to gain any ground and the referee called halftime.
Great Britain were held out of the tryzone during the second half as the USA began driving hard into contact and nudging the defense better. Time of possession was also in the favor of the Eagles but it wasn’t able to result in the fast scoring needed to climb back in to contention. Kristi Kirshe reached over the line for a try with two minutes left, and Naya Tapper collected a consolation score after time had expired, determined to play this match to the very end.
Co-captain Abby Gustaitis after the loss, “Absolutely devastating. It’s sport, right? It brings you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Unfortunately, we’re on the low end of it today and credit to Great Britain where it’s due. They came out swinging, they didn’t miss a beat and we made a few errors. We just weren’t able to clear way back, but not for lack of effort or belief in the girls.
“I think we showed America how incredible of a sport rugby sevens is and we were growing the following. I just hope little girls and boys around the country go pick up a rugby ball now because they’ve seen us women play out there.I know that will fuel a lot of girls to get out there, itching to pull on that red, white and blue and I’m here for it. I can’t wait to see the next generation of USA Rugby women.”
The Women’s Eagles Sevens will continue to inspire on Friday evening as the move to the 5th place semifinal against China, streaming live on NBCOlympics.com.
USA vs AUSTRALIA
TRIES » C. Emba, A. Gustaitis
CONVERSIONS » N. Heavirland (2/2)
USA vs GREAT BRITAIN
TRIES » K. Kirshe, N. Tapper
CONVERSIONS » N. Heavirland (1/2)
