The USA defeat Brazil 29-7, Russia 33-14 and Canada 34-10 to top Pool A at the Dubai 7s, the second stop on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The Eagles advance to the Cup quarterfinals for a rematch against Russia (10:50 p.m. PST), and then face either New Zealand or Fiji in the subsequent round.
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The Eagles looked more like the 7s series-topping team that they are during their wins against Russia and Canada. Those performances provide a nice springboard into the knockout rounds, which begin with a rematch against Russia.
But Round 2 saw Russia establish the first lead, as Daria Shestakova scored the game’s first try two minutes in. But the Eagles responded nicely, dotting down four-straight scores through Alev Kelter (2), Lauren Doyle and Kristen Thomas. The USA led 26-7 after 10 minutes, and the teams traded scores once more before the final buzzer. Elena Zdrokova scored for Russia and Eti Haungatau answered with the final try of the match: 33-14 to the Americans.
Canada entered the final pool round 2-0 as well, opening with a closer 24-19 win against Russia and then shutting down Brazil 43-0 to lead the standings on point differential. The last time these two squads met, the USA had to rally for a game-ending try to win the Glendale 7s Cup quarterfinal. During this go-around, the Americans did not leave the outcome in question and built a 17-0 halftime lead through Kristi Kirshe, Kelter and Naya Tapper tries and Nicole Heavirland conversion.
Bianca Farella put her team on the board with a try shortly after the break, only to have the point differential extend through Kirshe and Cheta Emba tries, 29-5. In the waning minutes, Kalli Lukan scored a second Canada try and then Emba ended the game with a final score: 34-10 at the buzzer.
The Cup Quarterfinal match-ups are as follows (times in PST):
9:44 p.m. Australia v Spain10:06 p.m. France v Canada10:28 p.m. Fiji v New Zealand10:50 p.m. USA v Russia
If the Eagles beat Russia again, then they’ll contest their Cup semifinal at 2:36 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. At present, the Dubai 7s schedule does not reflect Plate matches.