GRR on X  GRR on Facebook GRR in Instagram GRR Vimeo Library GRR on YouTube RuggaMatrix America Podcasts Support GRR on Patreon

Eagles 0-3 at Dubai 7s

irish rugby tours

Eagles 0-3 at Dubai 7s

USA Women 7s Eagle Kelly Griffin (Photo courtesy World Rugby)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Women's Eagles Sevens finished pool play at Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 0-3 after a 35-5 defeat to Canada Thursday, dropping into Friday's Bowl competition.

In the first of four legs of the 2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series, the U.S. has the opportunity to gain a maximum of four points playing for the Bowl. The Eagles' Semifinal matchup is to be determined.

The Canadians began the match kicking to the Eagles, but controlled possession from a bouncing ball. The rival to the north benefitted from a penalty against the Eagles at the attacking 10, and Karen Paquin made short work of the scoreless scoreboard, using Magali Harvey on the wing as a dummy. Harvey converted the first-minute try for a 7-0 lead.

Canada continued its offensive in the U.S. half following a turnover on the restart, and won a penalty 15 meters from the line to push the Eagles backwards. Kristen Thomas made two tackles to do her part, but Harvey refused to be stopped on the opposite side, breaking out of Nia Williams' tackle in-goal to center the placement of her try.

Williams cut into Canada's 14-0 lead when she avoided a tackle from Harvey behind a ruck. She took the hole at the gain line and dotted down in the try zone to bring the score to 14-5. Paquin scored her second try of the match before the whistle could blow to restore a 14-point differential at 21-5 going into the break.

Canada captain Jen Kish stumbled taking the ball out of a ruck in the ninth minute of the match, but found her feet and fended Jillion Potter to score, extending the lead to 28-5. Mishandling gifted possession to Canada at midfield in the 12th minute and Harvey promptly found the try zone to bring the final score to 35-5.

The final pool game was preceded by a 12-5 loss to Ireland and 24-19 loss to Fiji.

The Eagles will play two matches at 7he Sevens Stadium Friday, beginning with the Bowl Semifinal. Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens can be viewed live on World Rugby's website.

Women's Eagles Sevens | v Canada
1. Kathryn Johnson
2. Kristen Thomas
3. Jillion Potter (C)
4. Alev Kelter
5. Jane Paar
6. Nia Williams
7. Lauren Doyle
8. Kate Zackary
9. Kelly Griffin
10. Megan Bonny
11. Richelle Stephens
12. Jessica Javelet

Canada | v USA
1. Brittany Benn
2. Kayla Moleschi
3. Karen Paquin
4. Kelly Russell
5. Megan Lukan
6. Mandy Marchak
7. Jen Kish (C)
8. Caroline Crossley
9. Julia Greenshields
10. Arielle Dubissette-Borrice
11. Magali Harvey
12. Emily Belchos

Women's Eagles Sevens | 5
Tries: Williams
Conversions: N/A

Canada | 35
Tries: Paquin (2), Harvey (2), Kish
Conversions: Kish (5)

Women's Eagles Sevens | Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens
v. Ireland - L 12-5
v. Fiji - L 24-19
v. Canada - L 35-5