This Sevens World Series season has, for the USA, been partly a period of finding new solutions in the forwards.

With Andrew Durutalo playing Super Rugby in Japan, and now with Zack Test injured, much of the work to support Dany Barrett among the big guys has fallen to Ben Pinkelman and Garrett Bender. Bender has quietly become the gritty, cantankerous presence the Eagles need him to be, and he has added some additional skill moves. 

Pinkelman is more of a new man, and the Colorado State University product has had to learn a lot very quickly - how to battle in the breakdown all alone, how to tackle fast Fijians in the open field, and how to read the game. He has begun to do that, and showcased some very nice passing skills, as well.

Both Bender and Pinkelman scored agains Fiji, both at important times, and both did a lot more besides.

“They have had to step up - that’s the strength in depth that we’re trying to build in the squad,” said USA Coach Mike Friday. “Bender especially is carrying a lot of knocks and bruises and is going through a lot out there for the boys. He’s digging in every time, all the time. Pinky’s growing in confidence every time he plays the game. It’s good we’re growing the depth in this squad. It’s not about the first 12, it’s about 18 to 20. We need them all contributing.”

Certainly these two young USA forwards are doing just that.

Bender gets some attention. David Barpal photo.