The USA Men’s 7s National Team welcomed 7 new caps in an undefeated first day at HSBC Canada Sevens - Vancouver.
In what was the first World Series event since the pandemic, new players shined against experienced seniors to create a new-look for the Eagles Sevens that delivered brightly at B.C. Place. Wins over Chile (33-5), Germany (26-7) and hosts Canada (29-19) were thrilling as the next era of the USA Men's Sevens began to take shape.
2020 Olympian Cody Melphy was unfortunately removed from the field due to injury against Germany. Melphy will now travel home to begin rehab and will be evaluated again to determine his return to play timeline.
Next Game
The USA faces Kenya in the quarterfinals at 12:44 PM ET on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock TV.
Head Coach Mike Friday said:
“We’ve seen some great stuff from the new guys, obviously there’s some nerves. There’s some positive signs and a few little work ons, making sure we’ve got the nuts and bolts right. In that last game against Canada we were in control and then we just forced a few little things and we let them back into the game.
“I’m really, really pleased with the effort, the attitude, some of the shape in attack and defense, and we’ve had to work hard defensively in all three games and they’ve shown willing. They’re the habits and the behaviors we want to see.”
USA vs Chile | 33-5 (W)
Four players scored in their debut against Chile including Gavan D’Amore, Malacchi Esdale, David Still and Jack Wendling. The opposition were no match for the U.S. side who controlled possession and moved the ball quickly into space for finishers to do their jobs. Chile had a hard time finding any rhythm in attack as the United States were diligent at the breakdown, working in tandem to keep the ball shuffling across the line until the Chileans exposed gaps in their defense.
TRIES | Gavan D’Amore, Kevon Williams, Malacchi Esdale, David Still, Jack Wendling
CONS | Cody Melphy (4)
USA vs Germany | 26-7 (W)
Germany were a tougher outfit for the USA despite a strong opening start. After Cody Melphy’s injury put a halt in play, the Germans closed big gaps and forced set pieces that brought out the tactical DNA of the Americans. With a 14-7 score at the half, it was still anyone’s game; but as the next chapter of play ensued, the United States did well to keep play within the German half and put two tries on the board via Joe Schroeder and Kevon Williams.
TRIES | Malacchi Esdale (2), Joe Schroeder, Kevon Williams
CONS | Cody Melphy, Naima Fuala’au (2)
USA vs Canada | 29-19 (W)
The Eagles Sevens came out swinging as Martin Iosefo cruised through a gap to score the opening points. It didn’t take long for the U.S. to get back in Canadian territory as Adam Channel fought to carry the ball over the line on two back-to-back scoring drives. Tensions rose going into the second half as Canada began to capitalize on U.S. mistakes. A try here, a penalty awarded there; and before fans could blink, the home team had scored two tries and clawed their way back in the game. One final back-and-forth gave Canada the final try, despite the W already secured on the U.S. side.
TRIES | Martin Iosefo (2), Adam Channel (2), Matai Leuta
CONS | Naima Fuala’au
