Rugby sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games came to a close on Saturday, where the United States women finished 6th overall after two Pool C rematches against China and Australia. The Eagles would handle China but fall to the Aussies after only scoring one try in the Tokyo finale. With their medal contention ending the night before after a loss to Great Britain, the Women’s Sevens returned to Tokyo Stadium with the goal of closing their Olympic tour in the win column and leave Japan with inspired optimism for the game going forward. New Zealand would eventually take home gold, a power house in the rugby world and an opponent the USA always anticipates facing. Despite that opportunity lost, a record amount of inspiration, support and engagement was on display for current and importantly new fans to rugby.
Match one paired China and the USA in the 5th place semifinal. The Eagles opened competition in Tokyo with a win over China, 28-14 on Thursday. Nearly the same result here two days later as the USA would repeat, 33-14. A common theme for the United States was allowing early scoring to the opposing teams and having to fight back into contention, that would not be the case on Saturday as Co-Captain Kristen Thomas chased down the opening kickoff behind the defense and sprinted in for a try with only six seconds off the clock. Tally in two strong tries from Ilona Maher who regained her pace and power, fending off tackles to score through defensive traffic. Naya Tapper would also add a score. Ariana Ramsey was helped off the field after a collision with her Chinese counterpart, both of which however walked off on their own power.
One of the most unforgiving traits in rugby sevens is the aspect of returning to the field of play, even after the potential for a championship is lost. Challenging both mentally and physically, players are forced to immediately regain the competitive mindset while attempting to process a medal-ending loss. The Team USA Women have been in this situation before yet found extra motivation to return to the pitch with vision on this Olympics stage.
“This was a big match for us,” said Kristi Kirshe, “Obviously we were really devastated about what happened yesterday so this one was all about heart, bouncing back and showing who we are as a team. I think we did that today.”
Having beat Australia in exciting fashion during pool play, the USA had the formula for victory going into their last match of these Olympics. Offense just wasn’t there this time around with Kristi Kirshe recording the only try and falling short in the 17-7 loss. There didn’t seem to be much scoring opportunities for either team as play was slow through both halves. There was a slew of scrums that kept pace in check, along with physical defense across the board. Looking back, the standout highlights from this match would be the big tackles laid down and tough rugby on display.
Head Coach Chris Brown after the last match, “Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get that ball back. When we forced the errors, we were getting penalized ourselves, so that was hard. A few penalties in the second half; but the character, the fight — we made the Aussies work for every point and that’s what I’m proud of.
After the Kirshe try, the USA would find themselves only three points behind with a three minutes remaining, but Demi Hayes provided the dagger late and eventually out of reach for the United States. Australia win as the final whistle blows.
Brown continued, “Earlier on in the tournament, I wasn’t happy because I felt that our character was questioned — the way we do things was in question — but the way we finished off to today, I’m extremely proud of how we did that.”
As Saturday afternoon may mark the final international match for some of these Eagles looking to move on to the next stage in life, the overwhelming support felt from home by friends, family and fans alike has made the completion of this experience special. Looking ahead, the Women’s Eagles Sevens will travel home to Chula Vista and begin preparations for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Having not competed since the Sydney stop in February of 2020, the United States will be hungry for a series return and gold medal chase once again.
USA vs CHINA
TRIES » K. Thomas (2), I. Maher (2), N. Tapper
CONVERSIONS » N. Heavirland (4/5)
USA vs AUSTRALIA
TRIES » K. Kirshe
CONVERSIONS » N. Heavirland (1/1)
