Alev Kelter scored the U.S.’s try. /// Photo: Wojie Photography / World Rugby •
Team USA did not make the Olympics debut for which it was hoping, losing 12-7 to Fiji in the opening round of pool play. The U.S. now needs a big result against Colombia to better its chances for Cup quarterfinal selection.
The game started off well enough, as the U.S. retained its own kickoff, but the possession fizzled as confusion on the outside saw the ball dribble into touch. It was the first of five important turnovers that stifled the Americans in the first half.
Rebecca Tavo used the opportunity to carve up the belly of the pitch, and the drive nearly ended in a try until U.S. scrumhalf Alev Kelter poached the ball on the goal line. Team USA punched out of its try zone and looked to be out of danger as Bui Baravilala moved into space with a player outside her. The timing was off, the flyhalf’s pass went forward, and Fiji was rewarded with an attacking scrum inside the 22. Fiji moved the ball to Luisa Tisolo, who did a little show-and-go to split the defenders for the try, which she then converted for the 7-0 lead.
Baravilala got the U.S. out of dangerous territory with a break toward the sideline but was pushed into touch for another turnover. Fiji bred some apprehension as they scrambled with ball in hand, happy to sacrifice go-forward until the defense fractured. The scoreboard remained untouched for the remainder of the half, but the U.S. saw two more opportunities fizzle – one when Johnson was pushed into touch, the second when slow support on a Lauren Doyle break produced a not-releasing penalty.
In the second half, the Americans needed to up the pressure in contact and establish a voice in this game. Instead, Fiji’s Timaima Ravisa ripped the kickoff out of the wrapped-up Johnson’s hands and took the ball into the try zone unchallenged, 12-0.
Jessica Javelet replaced Vix Folayan and kept the ball in play as it neared the sideline. Doyle found another gap in the defense and broke up-field, and slow support saw Fiji put its hands on the ball on the ground. But a penalty allowed the U.S. to keep attacking. Baravilala tapped through and hit an on-rushing Kelter for an at-pace try between the posts. Baravilala slotted the extras for the 12-7 scoreline and with plenty of time remaining.
From the restart, Fiji nearly put the game out of reach as it broke down the sideline, but Johnson planted a try-saving tackle to end the threat. The ball remained in the U.S.’s end for the remainder of the game, as the teams traded possession. The Americans continued to bobble the ball, whether connecting out of a scrum or out of contact, allowing Fiji to advance and pressure in the breakdown.
The game ended on an infraction and the official forewent a USA scrum, but the damage was done. Fiji was the aggressor over the 14 minutes and deserved the victory.
Team USA faces Colombia, which lost 53-0 to Australia, in the second round at 5 p.m. EST. If the pool plays out as expected, then the Americans will be vying for a “third best” slot in the Cup quarterfinals, and must run up the point differential to better its chances.
Team USA vs. Fiji
1. Jill Potter
2. Kelly Griffin (c)
3. Kathryn Johnson
4. Alev Kelter
5. Bui Baravilala
6. Lauren Doyle
7. Vix Folayan
Reserves
Carmen Farmer
Joanne Fa’avesi
Richelle Stephens
Ryan Carlyle
Jessica Javelet
Fiji 12
Tries: Tisolo, Ravisa
Cons: Tisolo
USA 7
Tries: Kelter
Cons: Baravilala
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