USA RUGBY – After winning bronze in Dubai, the USA Women’s Sevens will compete in their third tournament of the season in Cape Town from December 13-15 on NBC Sports Gold.
LAST TOURNAMENT | BRONZE IN DUBAI
In Dubai, the Eagles Sevens went home with their sixth straight medal and eighth semifinal appearance in as many tournaments since last season.
A full sweep in pool play included wins over Brazil (29-7), Russia (33-14) and Canada (34-10) where the latter was the highest margin of victory the U.S. side has ever achieved over their northern rivals. Through each game, the group showed an incredibly clinical side, continuously unfazed by any penalties or errors to remain in sync. In the quarterfinals, the U.S. defeated Russia for a second time 28-7.
The semifinals brought the unbeaten stride to a halt, however, as New Zealand, dominated every phase and possession to win 25-7. The Eagles Sevens were uncharacteristic through the match and struggled to get any traction in their attack.
Putting the disappointment of the quarterfinal behind them, the side came back against Australia to win 24-7 in another commanding performance.
The USA women are now tied with New Zealand for the No. 1 world ranking.
THE SQUADHead Coach Chris Brown has made one change to the tournament roster with Kayla Canett becoming an injury reserve and Kasey McCravey jumping in.
Kristi Kirshe and Alev Kelter were on excellent form last weekend, both offensively and defensively.
Kelter’s physical nature was a gold mine at winning breakdowns, escaping tackles and getting runs. Kirshe also made a number of crucial runs, completely outpacing defenders and playing with precise timing.
Kelter and Kirshe are ranked first and second in runs made this season, respectively, while Kelter is first in overall points scored and Kirshe is third in tries scored.
Cheta Emba and Eti Haungatau impressed in Dubai as well. Emba’s athleticism and physicality paired well at the restart while Haungatau scored her first two HSBC Series tries.
The full roster owns 185 cumulative tournaments.
USA 7s TEAM
1. Cheta Emba
2. Ilona Maher
3. Abby Gustaitis (co-cpt)
4. Nicole Heavirland
5. Alev Kelter
6. Lauren Doyle
7. Naya Tapper
8. Jordan Matyas
9. Eti Haungatau
10. Kasey McCravey
11. Kristen Thomas (co-cpt)
12. Kristi Kirshe
13. Kayla Canett
STAFF
Head Coach | Chris Brown
Assistant Coach | Warren Abrahams
Strength & Conditioning | Matt Long
Athletic Trainer | Nicole Titmas
Team Manager | Liz Strohecker
THE COMPETITION
The Eagles Sevens will face Australia, England and Ireland in Pool C with ninth-place Ireland up first on Day One.
England will be next on Day Two and currently sit in tenth place. Matches between the USA and English have always been competitive with several contests from last season determined by a single try on the final play.
A rematch with Australia will determine the final placements for the knockout stages. The Australians currently sit in third place and have become somewhat of a rival for the United States over the past three tournaments. In Glendale, the USA beat Australia to win gold; and in Dubai, the Aussie’s were beaten once again to claim bronze.
HEAR IT FROM HEAD COACH CHRIS BROWN
“We recognized that we missed a good opportunity when we had the chance to take control in that Dubai semifinal against New Zealand.
“Ultimately, some of the simple errors we saw through the Brazil and Russia games — which didn’t hurt us at the time — were present in the New Zealand game. A side of that caliber will certainly take their opportunities on every error we present them.
“We are in great spirits to experience the culture and energy in Cape Town. The team has loved this city and have been able to connect with the community in a number of meaningful ways including an inspirational visit with young children alongside Be the Difference Foundation.
“We really look forward to building on that inspiration for all those we touched and the larger rugby community who adore our players this weekend.”
TO SUM IT UPDespite not achieving gold in Dubai, the United States women have still continued their remarkably consistent performances from last season. This weekend will serve as the first time HSBC Cape Town Sevens has included a women’s tournament which, in itself, adds new elements of excitement for all teams involved.
As the season reaches its third tournament, the U.S. has clearly emerged as the team to beat but must maintain its consistency to drive that into the latter part of the Series. Only 10 points separate the first (USA and New Zealand) and fifth ranked (France) teams on the circuit.
WHERE TO WATCH
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 is broadcast LIVE and on-demand on NBC Sports Gold’s Rugby Pass. Live updates are also posted across USA Rugby’s twitter channels with match recaps published within 90 minutes of full time. For more information about NBC Sports Gold’s rugby pass, click here.
CAPE TOWN SCHEDULE vs Ireland | Fri, Dec 13 – 7:22 AM ET
vs England | Sat, Dec 14 – 2:07 AM ET
vs Australia | Sat, Dec 14 – 7:57 AM ET
• Cup Quarterfinals begin on Sunday, Dec 15 at 2:50 AM ET
• Consolation rounds begin on Sunday, Dec 15 at 6:11 AM ET
Teams who lose in the quarterfinals will have no further matches to contest. For these teams, a points delineation is determined based on points differential.