The USA started the Singapore 7s in impressive fashion, running out to a 24-0 lead in the first half over Canada in their first game, and cruising to a 36-14 win.

The Eagles did a good job of moving the ball and keeping possession, but more impressively, when Canada got the ball, they couldn’t do anything with it. The Americans just contained Canada and didn’t let their danger men get any space.

Four tries in the first half, the pick of them a grubber from Folau Niua that bounced kind of high, then very high, and perfectly for an onrushing Zack Test.

The second half started as the first had ended, with a USA try. Perry Baker took the kickoff in the air and popped the ball to Danny Barrett, who was over. Canada worked a nicely-constructed try, and got another from some fumbling by the Eagles, but Madison Hughes linked nicely with Maka Unufe and the captain went over.

Nate Ebner finally got on the field, subbing on with about four minutes left. He made a tackle, got in a couple of scrums, and almost caught a USA restart that might have seen him gallop in for a try. But, alas, the ball rolled off his hands.

In the second half, perhaps the play of the period was Nate Augspurger chasing down a Canadian runner to save a try.

Next up a France team that beat New Zealand 24-0.

USA 36

Tries: Hughes 2, Test 2, Baker, Barrett

Convs: Hughes 3

Canada 14

Tries: Hirayama, Berna

Convs: Hirayama 2