USA Advances to France 7s QFs

The USA Women’s 7s team has completed pool play in Toulouse, France – the sixth and final stop on the 2022 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – and advances to the Cup quarterfinals. The Eagles play Australia at 12:26 p.m. ET today, Saturday, May 21, on Peacock TV.

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It’s been tough going for the Eagles in France, and the tournament began with a 26-12 pool play loss to Fiji. The USA trailed 19-0 at halftime, as Alowesi Nakoci (2) and Vasiti Solikoviti dotted down and Lavinia Cavuru kicked the two of three conversions. Reapi Ulunisau opened up the second half scoring a minute after the break, and Cavuru added the extras for a 26-0 lead. The Americans snapped the shutout in minute 12, when Sarah Levy crossed for five, and Ilona Maher’s minute-15 score and Alena Olsen’s conversion capped the scoring: 26-12.

Sarah Levy v Fiji / Photo © 2022 Alex Ho

The USA found some flow in round two, as it lined up against South Africa, the invitational team placed in Pool A. Maher and Spiff Sedrick – whose never-say-die chase-down in the Fiji match prevented a try and made the HSBC highlight reel – scored in the first half, and then Kayla Canett and Kristi Kirshe added tries in the second half. Canett’s conversion made it 22-0 for the Eagles.

Spiff Sedrick v South Africa / Photo © 2022 Alex Ho

Pool play ended against the already crowned ’22 series champion, Australia, who have a 20-point lead in the standings. Charlotte Caslick, Maddison Levi (2), Teagan Levi and Faith Nathan scored the tries, and Sharni Williams (2) and Jesse Southwell kicked the extras in a 31-0 victory.

Cheta Emba v Australia / Photo © 2022 Alex Ho

Australia and Fiji automatically advanced out of the pool to the Cup quarterfinals and join pool winners New Zealand and France, and runners-up Canada and Ireland. Brazil took the “Best 3rd Place” after beating England 31-7 in round three, and the USA picked up the eight berth to the quarterfinals, edging Spain with 10 points in the differential.

USA 7s head coach Emilie Bydwell / Photo © 2022 Alex Ho

That means the USA will face Australia again, this time in the Cup quarterfinals at 12:26 p.m. ET. There’s real opportunity here for the Americans, who take the lessons from their third game and immediately apply in the rematch against the same opponent. Watch the games live on Peacock TV.