The USA Men's 7s team faltered in pool play in Sydney, losing in rather extravagant fashion to Samoa and Ireland.
The team that had surprise so many in recent weeks seemed to hit a bit of a wall against both of those sides. Just a shade slower to the ball, and not as dominant in the tackle, they found themselves scrambling to get going.
They hardly touched the ball against Ireland, which dominated possession and, frankly, almost all facets of the game in the third matchup of the day.
Against Samoa, it was the Samoans who looked lighter in step and more dynamic.
They led 19-0 at halftime and really it should have been 26-0 but for the fourth try being called back.
The Eagles at least got enough ball to score a try—freeing up Malachi Esdale for a long run. (Scores were a 26-7 loss to Samoa and a 26-0 loss to Ireland.)
But really they looked tired, as much mentally as physically.
The World Series circuit is difficult, and sometimes the time zones can catch up with you on the second week—witness Argentina, winners in Hamilton, going 1-2 in pool play just as the USA did.
