US Eagles shut out New Zealand

The US Eagles completed a stunning turn in fortunes as they shut out New Zealand 22-0 in their opening pool match at the Cape Town Sevens. It was a remarkable performance given their horrendous results in Dubai just a week ago that saw them drop all five matches.

Without World Rugby Player of the Year Perry Baker in the lineup it was up to Carlin Isles to provide the inspiration, and the fastest man in the tournament did not disappoint with two tries in the first half. The first was a classic sprint around the outside after taking an offload from Martin Iosefo in his own end, the second a pick-and-go from close range that caught the New Zealand fringe defense unawares.

The second half was no difference. Ben Pinkelman powered over and then Maka Unufe made his presence felt, fending and breaking for an excellent individual score. Meanwhile the Eagles defense was resolute, completely shutting down the New Zealand offense and forcing them into unforced errors.

It’s a result that will be immensely pleasing to coach Mike Friday, and it set the tone for their second match of the day. It was Isles again the hero with a hat-trick against Australia to lead the way in a 31-14 win to clinch the USA’s spot in the Cup Quarter Finals with a game to spare.

 

SCORING

NEW ZEALAND 0
Yellow cards – R. Ware

USA 22
Tries – C. Isles 2 (3′, 6′), B. Pinkelman (9′), M. Unufe (14′)
Cons – M. Hughes 1/4 (10′)

 

TEAMS

NEW ZEALAND
Tim Mikkelson, Scott Curry (capt.), Sam Dickson, Andrew Knewstubb, Joe Webber, Regan Ware, Sione Molia

Replacements: Dylan Collier, Teddy Stanaway, Kurt Baker, Vilimoni Koroi

USA
Danny Barrett, Stephen Tomasin, Ben Pinkelman, Madison Hughes (capt.), Folau Niua, Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles

Replacements: Joe Schroeder, Malon Al-Jiboori, Matai Leuta, Maka Unufe, Kevon Williams