Hope Rogers scored two tries. / Photo: Mike Lee / KLC fotos for World Rugby
The USA Women’s 7s team improved to 1-1 at the Sydney 7s, defeating Japan 38-0. Naya Tapper, Alev Kelter and Hope Rogers scored two tries apiece. The Eagles will finish pool play against New Zealand (2-0) which the USA beat 14-12 during the Dubai 7s Cup quarterfinals.
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It was a pretty comprehensive win for the USA, save some handling errors and penalties that had no effect on the outcome. The Eagles didn’t try to run around Japan but instead took a more direct, confrontational route to the try zone.
Japan held onto the ball for the opening two minutes, but the USA scored on its first possession. Scrumhalf Nicole Heavirland broke down the weak side of a scrum, and the recycle worked to Kelter, who stepped her opposite and put away Tapper off her hip. Strong work in the breakdown and in contact forced a turnover and the team worked tight offloads to then put Kelter away for a try. Kelter was back in the try zone just before half, as the team used a penalty opportunity to build into Japan’s end. With Tapper set up as first receiver, the wing dished back inside to Kelter, who was slicing through on an angle, 19-0 halftime lead with two Kelter conversions.
Kelter nearly scored a third try when the center got in the path of an arcing pass, just tipping it overhead. The ball landed in Tapper’s hands and she returned it easily for a try, 26-0.
Substitutes started to roll in, including Hope Rogers, who again, got into her groove along the sideline, popping up from the tackle and continuing to bull ahead. Cheta Emba and Jordan Gray also made good use of their size and offloading, and Rogers ended the series in the try zone, 33-0 with Heavirland conversion.
Natalie Kosko took the pitch for the first this tournament and made an immediate impact on defense, snapping into the tackle quickly and pressuring turnovers at every breakdown. Sarah Buonopane didn’t hesitate to put her head down and barrel into a sea of Japan players, and Emba and Rogers followed suit with good runs down the sideline. After a penalty at the five meter, Rogers quick-tapped for an inevitable diveover try, 38-0.
The game gives the USA a little lift heading into the final round of pool play, where New Zealand awaits after a 33-12 win over England.
USA 38
Tries: Kelter 2, Tapper 2, Rogers 2
Cons: Kelter 3, Heavirland
Japan 0
USA starters vs. Japan: Carlyle, Gray, Gustaitis, Heavirland (c), Kelter, Tapper