Naya Tapper scored two tries for the USA. /// Photo: Jackie Finlan •
The USA Women’s 7s team began its Sydney 7s campaign with a 19-10 loss to Russia. Including today’s pool play opener, the Eagles are now 11-3 against Russia. The USA will now play England, which defeated Spain 19-10 in the previous match, in round two.
It was nothing earth-shattering: Both teams made unforced errors, and both teams were able to take advantage of those opportunities. Russia just did a better job of turning opportunities into points. Russia was a little more dangerous with ball in hand, as well. Attacking the line more, fending past the defense, and keeping the ball alive until the defensive lapse occurred.
Russia received the opening kickoff and shortly afterward knocked on in contact. Cheta Emba was there for the pick-up and moved the ball to Ryan Carlyle for more meters up the gut. Alev Kelter recycled the ball to wing Naya Tapper, who popped up after the tackle and scored on the second attempt at the line, 5-0.
Kelter’s restart went out on the full, and Russia took control from the 50. Russia got to work, tested the middle defense, and waited until the lane down the sideline opened up for the corner try from Elena Zdrokova, 5-5 with more than three minutes remaining.
From the restart, three quick knock-ons occurred – USA in the ruck, Russia in the tackle (thanks to Kristen Thomas’ pursuit hit), and Emba’s over-the-head pass to support. Russia took the scrum and nearly scored a break-away try if Kelter hadn’t remained committed to the chase. Some wear began to show as Baizat Khamidova kicked through to the try zone and nearly dotted down, uncontested.
The USA looked to have one more opportunity for points, as Kelter picked up a loose ball for a long return, but the captain was isolated and possession changed hands. Emba ended the half with a good tackle into touch.
Emba got the USA into good position after a long, powerful run down the sideline. Russia played the ball on the ground, but a misconnection in the subsequent penalty play saw the U.S. squander an opportunity. Fortunately for the Eagles, Russia committed an unforced error of its own moments later, as a loose ball on the sideline allowed Tapper to recover and attack quickly through a staggered defense, 10-5.
The lead was short-lived, as Russia scored from the restart. Alena Mikhaltsova danced in the middle of the field, while Carlyle attempted to contain her. She got past the USA hooker and then pushed off of the collapsing defense for the try. Liudmila Artamonova nailed the conversion for the 12-10 lead.
With still plenty of time for another score, the restart began well as Emba showed poise in gathering the bouncing ball. An aggressive Russian defense gave up a knock-on and scrum, but the field position proved advantageous. As the ball moved away from the set piece, it slipped away from Thomas on the wing. Russia recovered possession, pushed off tackles, and Mikhaltsova got her second try of the day. Artamonova added the two-pointer for the win.
The USA got one more chance with ball in hand, as subs banked some field time. The game ended with a miscommunication on the sideline and a no-look pass into touch.
The Eagles take on England at 8:12 p.m. Pacific and will be streamed live at The Rugby Channel.
USA 10
Tries: Tapper 2
Russia 19
Tries: Mikhaltsova 2, Zdrokova
Cons: Artamonova 2