GRR: Sevens World Series
After Sunday's loss to South Africa in the 3rd/4th game, USA Coach Mike Friday said "I hate to lose, but sometimes that's how you learn."
After a torrid start to the tournament, the Eagles fell on hard times on Sunday. But still they finished 4th, moving up in the Sevens World Series standings. Fiji won 35-19, beating New Zealand in the final.
Well it won't be the Cup Final for the USA as the Eagles lost 26-12 to New Zealand, showing a little bit of the nerves they have displayed in the past when playing in front of their home fans.
The USA 7s Tournament would be incomplete without a USA vs. Canada match, and this year, that rivalry played out during the final game of day two. Canada had rallied against rumors that it was in a downward phase and won its pool. The Eagles went 2-0-1 and impressed fans with a tie against South Africa, which won three of the previous four USA 7s.
Against South Africa in the USA 7s in Las Vegas, Maka Unufe broke out two powerful runs for tries, showing long-range pace and tackle-breaking strength.
The USA Men’s 7s team is now 8th in the HSBC Sevens World Series.
And while the coveted top four spot, which would mean automatic qualification for the 2016 Olympics, is probably out of reach, 6th place is not, and that would be easily the best finish for the Eagles in the World Series.