USA RUGBY – For the first time in eight tournaments, the USA Women’s Sevens will be unable to contest for a medal at HSBC Cape Town Sevens. [Lead photo: Alex Ho (hoiho.net)]
Where Canada started on the front foot early, supported by a yellow card to Nicole Heavirland on the opening kick off, the United States struggled to bounce back from a collection of penalties at the breakdown. It was still a back and forth affair, however, with each side holding no more than a one-possession lead at any point through the game.
“In that second half against Australia, we showed that when we play at the intensity we can, we give ourselves the opportunity to be in control,” said Head Coach Chris Brown. “We have to dig into some of our foundation components and revisit some of our mental strategies. This is a tough game and we’ve had a lot go our way the past 12 months. Unfortunately, not today, but this was a good experience to help drive us and make sure we are in greater control moving forward.”
Alev Kelter and Naya Tapper both shined as Kelter scored all 14 points for the USA and Tapper was a workhorse on both offense and defense.
After Canadian Brittany Benn scored the opening try, the United States got its first real attacking opportunity from a lineout midfield. From the set piece, a run by Naya Tapper put the U.S. in good position for Kelter to swing around the wing and take the lead, 7-5.
Play became messy at the end of the first half where Canada got its second try and held the monopoly on possession.
Photo: Alex Ho (hoiho.net)
Early in the second half, the USA got Kelter open on the wing once again to win back the lead for a short while, until a clinical Canadian side came right back to make it 14-15 and kick to touch on the final play.
Cape Town was not a picture-perfect tournament for the USA women though the squad showed on many occasions that it has the tenacity to remain in contention through any circumstance.
The United States will now enter a long break before returning for the fourth and fifth stops of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Hamilton, New Zealand (Jan 25-26) and Sydney (Feb 1-2).
USA 14
Tries: Kelter 2
Cons: Kelter 2
USA STARTERS
Abby Gustaitis, Co-Captain
Nicole Heavirland
Alev Kelter
Kristi Kirshe
Ilona Maher
Jordan Matyas
Naya Tapper
RESERVES
Lauren Doyle (10′)
Cheta Emba (10′)
Kris Thomas, Co-Captain (7′)
HSBC CAPE TOWN SEVENS RESULTS
vs Ireland | 38-0 (W)
vs England | 21-7 (W)
vs Australia | 14-19 (L)
Cup QF: vs Canada | 14-15 (L)