The USA was bested by Kenya 22-17 in the Shield Final on day two of the Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens on Sunday (May 6 2012). A good win against Portugal in the Shield Semifinals and a loss to Russia in the Bowl Quarterfinals placed the Eagles in the Shield Final.
The Shield Final appearance gives the USA two points in the HSBC Sevens World Series and the Eagles will have one more chance to grab points this season when they play in the London Sevens next weekend, marking the final stop of the nine-tournament Series.
In the Shield Final, USA struck first through a nice balanced run from Mike Palefau to put the Eagles in front, but two Kenyan tries to end the first half had the Americans chasing the game for the second period.
Rocco Mauer scored with one minute remaining to bring the USA within striking distance at 14-17, but the Kenyans were able to hang on and flier Biko Adema ended up breaking off run to the try line to end the affair.
Although the USA didn’t come away with hardware in Glasgow, there were improvements made.
“We’re bitterly disappointed with the result, but I’m happy that even when we were down we kept battling. I’m happy with the work rate,” said USA Head Coach, Alexander Magleby. “Two huge boxes we check off as improvements are restarts and our attack.”
In terms of areas to improve on, Magleby knows a good defense will help the Eagles win tight encounters.
“Sevens is a defensive game and we’re falling off way too many tackles,” said the coach.
Going into the last tournament of the Series, Magleby is realistic about where his team stands.
“We know that our best seven can play with the best in the world, but we are struggling with depth at certain positions. For instance, we pick up a few injuries and all of a sudden we’ve got to ask players to go in and replace Zack Test who has been on the Series for three years and that’s just not realistic at this stage,” Magleby said. “It’s not a lack of effort. We just haven’t developed the depth yet.”
Magleby will continue to give players experience and develop the athletes to succeed not only in the short term, but to prepare the players for the 2016 Olympics and the preceding qualification process.
Box Scores:
Bowl Quarterfinal
USA 21
Tries: Hawley, Durutalo (2)
Cons: Niua (3)
Russia 22
Tries: Gostyuzhev, Ostroushko(2), Galinovskiy
Cons: Yanyuskin
---
Shield Semifinal
USA 17
Tries: Niua, Palefau, Durutalo
Cons: Niua
Portugal 14
Tries: Moreira, Esteves
Cons: Leal(2)
---
Shield Final
USA 14
Tries: Palefau, Mauer
Cons: Niua, Suniula
Kenya 22
Tries: Ndyara, Adema (2), Ayange
Cons: Asego
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
