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Three converted tries saw the USA defeat Portugal 21-5 in their opening pool match of the Hong Kong 7s. The scoreline was much closer that most expected as Portugal has struggled on the circuit this season and taken some lopsided defeats in the process.
Martin Iosefo kicked off the scoring in the 3rd minute with a short range try. Madison Hughes added the first of his three conversions to stake the USA to a 7-0 lead. Minutes later Perry Baker took a ball on the wing from near the USA 22 and showed his pace on the way to another try for the Eagles. Another Hughes conversion pushed the USA lead to 14-0.
Portugal struck back just before halftime when Tomas Appleton crossed over to cut the USA’s lead to 14-5 going into the break. Plagued by small mistakes, the USA had trouble finding the end zone in the second half. A 13th minute try from Hughes closed out the scoring for the Eagles as they won 21-5.
In other Pool C action on Day 1 of the Hong Kong 7s, Australia blanked Argentina 28-0. The Eagles face Argentina next in what should be a pivotal pool match for both sides. A win for the USA secures another trip to the Cup Quarterfinals for the Eagles. A loss doesn’t eliminate the USA, but certainly complicates the situation as they would need to upset Australia in their final pool match and require some help to get into the Cup round. With that uncertain scenario, the match against Argentina is almost a must win game for the Eagles.
