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It was a mixed bag for Americas competitors in Men’s and Women’s Competitions in Dubai. In the Men’s Argentina 7’s came away with a good finish by securing a spot on the podium and Uruguay had an overall successful tournament. However, the USA were a disappointment by finishing in 12th, and last, spot.
Argentina’s road to Bronze in Dubai started well. Los Pumas 7’s won the battle of the Rio de la Plata; Argentina overcame Uruguay 45-7 first up. Game two was a 22-5 win for Argentina over Great Britain and game three was a 29-7 win over Ireland. The outcome was a spot in the Quarter Finals where Argentina would face Australia.
Los Pumas 7’s started Day Two against Australia. Argentina were 22-20 winners to secure a place in the Semi Finals. Los Pumas 7’s came unstuck against the Flying Fijians. The 41-23 loss sent Argentina to the Bronze Final to face New Zealand. A positive finish saw Argentina finishing third in Dubai with a 14-0 win over New Zealand.
Uruguay finished the Dubai Sevens tournament in 9th position. Los Teros 7’s rebounded from their opening loss against Argentina to defeat Ireland 26-14 but fell 31-10 against Great Britain on Day One.
Day Two saw Uruguay fighting back strongly. Los Teros 7’s scraped past the USA with a 15-12 victory. Uruguay then secured 9th place in the tournament with a 15-7 win over Kenya.
The USA finished bottom. The Men’s Eagles campaign started with a 28-12 loss to New Zealand. Additional Day One results were a 42-20 defeat against the Flying Fijians and a 28-0 loss against Spain. Improvement was not sufficient on Day Two. The USA fell 15-12 to Uruguay and 19-12 to Ireland. The loss against Ireland saw the Irish finishing 11th and the USA last.
| WOMEN’S SEVENS – DUBAI |
The Americas did not have a Women’s team finishing on the podium in Dubai. Australia won the tournament with New Zealand finishing second and France third. Great Britain was fourth ahead of the USA Women’s Eagles in 5th spot. Canada claimed 8th spot ahead of Brazil who finished 9th out of 12 participants.
Canada was involved in the opening match. The Canadians were blown apart by Japan, losing 40-5. Canada recovered to registered an impressive 38-12 win over Brazil in their second match. Day One, nonetheless, ended on a low with New Zealand thumping Canada 38-5.
Day Two did not start well for Canada. Australia were 39-0 winners. It set-up a rematch against Japan which saw a vastly improved performance to that from Day One. It was almost, but not quite, enough as Japan won 24-22. to claim 7th spot and hand Canada an 8th place finish.
The USA started well with a 26-15 win over Great Britain and a 33-7 victory against Spain. Day One ended for the Women’s Eagles with a 14-5 defeat against France. The USA were underwhelming in the Cup Quarter Finals on Day Two. France defeated the Women’s Eagles 38-12. Improvement saw the USA downing Ireland 17-7 in the 5th-place-final.
Brazil’s fell to New Zealand 33-5 in their opening match in Dubai. Canada then knocked Brazil over with the aforementioned 38-12 result. Brazil recovered to end Day One well by defeating Japan 17-14. On Day Two Brazil won their 9th Place Semi Final by defeating Spain 29-15. As Yaras then downed China 24-17 to finish in 9th spot.
