Spain captain Patricia Garcia, seen here against Australia / Photo: Mike Lee/KLC fotos for World Rugby
The USA lost its Sydney 7s Plate semifinal to Spain 24-19 and will contest the 7th place match at 6:26 p.m. PST on Saturday.
Spain captain Patricia Garcia set the pace of the first half and scored the game-winner at the death. She deployed her trademark work rate and footwork around the pitch, and in particular, took advantage of a disengaged USA defense. Four times Garcia quick-tapped through the penalty mark to slip past the defense and score or assist a try. It was incredible to witness.
Spain made three trips into the USA’s 22 meter in the first half and scored on each occasion. Garcia scored two of those tries and set up the third, moving the ball to Iera Echebarria, who worked the overload perfectly. Garcia added the two conversions for a 19-0 lead.
Ryan Carlyle gave the USA some hope before the buzzer, capitalizing on solid ground made by the Eagles’ big, strong players like Cheta Emba, who had a very good game. The hooker fended into open space for the try that Nicole Heavirland converted.
On the other side of the half, Carlyle did well to rein in an overthrown Spanish lineout. She considered her options out wide and then worked the defense in front of her for another try, converted by Heavirland, 19-14 with two minutes remaining.
Much like the Cup quarterfinal against Russia, the USA gained momentum as it ate away at the deficit. The Eagles leaned on those power carries through the middle to make ground, and then the ball worked wide to Naya Tapper. She angled toward the corner, straight-armed Garcia, who brought the wing down at the line. Tapper rolled over and outstretched her arms for the dot-down and 19-all scoreline.
Jordan Gray did an excellent job of tapping the restart back to her side, but no one was there for the receipt. Instead Spain regained control and with little time left on the clock, earned a penalty in the USA’s end. Before the players could discern the infringement, Garcia was gone. She scored the game-winner, 24-19.
The USA will compete for seventh against the loser of France vs. Ireland at 6:26 p.m. PST.
USA 19
Tries: Carlyle 2, Tapper
Cons: Heavirland 2
Spain 24
Tries: Garcia 3, Echebarria
Cons: Garcia 2
USA starters vs. Spain: Gustaitis, Carlyle, Emba, Heavirland (c), Blythe, Kosko, Morgan