Photo: Alex Ho (hoiho.net)
The USA 7s team opened up the Hamilton 7s, the fourth stop on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with a 19-12 pool play win over Russia. The Eagles will face Brazil at 9:52 p.m. ET.
In the first half, the USA experienced some syncing issues, particularly with its offload game, as too-distant support saw some passes hit the ground. Those adjustments came in the second half but halted some attacking potential in the first seven minutes. Defensively, the Eagles protected its edges and big tackles from players like Ilona Maher and Eti Haungatau got Russia retreating in the middle of the field. Nicole Heavirland did well to get over a tackle out wide and drew a penalty for the turnover.
After a little scrambling, the ball moved to Kristi Kirshe, who drew a high tackle penalty from Baizat Khamidova on the sideline, and the Eagles immediately made good use of the advantage. The scrum ball moved to wing Kirshe, who tore away for the USA’s first big break of the match. Elena Zdrokova had the wheels to prevent the try, making the tackle at Russia’s 7m, but the USA support was ready for the recycle and quick hands from Jordan Matyas got the pass away just in time for Maher to score out wide. Heavirland added the extras for the 7-0 lead that held through the half.
Russia allowed the USA into its half with an offsides penalty at the ruck, but then played very good defense in its end. It had the speed to keep its corners intact and didn’t fall off the big ballcarriers in the middle. Then Alev Kelter noticed that the sweeper was up and kicked through the line, chased it down, beat the pursuit, and scooped it up for the try. Makes it look too easy, 12-0 to the USA.
Russia got on the board quickly afterward, as Daria Noritsina slipped through the middle defense, and reserve Stephanie Rovetti quickly cleaned it up. But the attack was on and Zdrokova did well to pick from the ruck, commit two defenders, and give Kristina Seredina enough room for the line to the try zone: 12-5.
The USA immediately responded. From a well taken restart, the ball moved across the pitch to Rovetti, who lured the defense out wide and then hit Lauren Doyle back inside for the unobstructed run to the try zone. The flyhalf added the conversion as well: 19-5.
Matyas got possession of the restart but a non-releasing penalty followed for the turnover. The ball eventually moved to Khamidova out wide, and after fending Rovetti and Doyle, the veteran scored. Marina Kukina converted for the 19-12 final.
TheEagles will now play Brazil, which dropped its opener 24-14 to Australia, at 9:52 p.m .ET tonight.
USA Starters: Ilona Maher, Eti Haungatau, Abby Gustaitis, Nicole Heavirland, Lauren Doyle, Alev Kelter, Kristi Kirshe
USA 19
Tries: Maher, Kelter, Doyle
Cons: Heavirland, Doyle
Russia 12
Tries: Seredina, Khamidova
Cons: Kukina