Refereeing remains under the microscope for international 7s as officials continues to be inconsistent in their management of games.

This was brought home to the USA team, which saw clear infractions against them not called, and even stuff like not even attempting to retreat 10 meters on a penalty and throwing the ball away not receiving a yellow card.

Head Coach Mike Friday remembers the high tackle on Kevin Swiryn against Fiji that wasn’t called, and how Fiji scored right after.

Asked if he was frustrated, Friday told Goff Rugby Report, “that would be an understatement. All of the players, and coaches, want is consistency in message and action from the referees.”

Friday met with officials before the Wellington 7s to discuss clarity and consistency, especially in the breakdown, and, he added, that he’s not the only coach concerned.

So what does that mean for Sydney? Hard to fathom. It’s obvious that in the split second that most of the action happens at a tackle, it’s easy to miss stuff. But professional fouls should be penalized no matter who commits them.

Meanwhile, there is a tournament to play this weekend, with England, Japan, and Wales on the slate - three teams the Eagles certainly can beat.

We asked Friday what three words he wanted to concentrate on this weekend, and he said: Attitude, Decisive, Hitting-On.

Basically, he wants his players to take charge of the games, the way they did in London. He spoke a lot this week about taking care of opportunities, and making the opposition adjust to the USA.

Players: Friday has been complimentary of the work Thretton Palamo has been doing, but also dai that he is just a few weeks into playing full-time 7s. His play, said Friday, should be judged in a couple of months, not now. 

“He is still technically adjusting, so I am more than happy with his progress.”

Meanwhile, one of the players who seemed to want to take the fight to the enemy was Ben Pinkelman. The Colorado State University product was aggressive and hard-working in the time he got.

“Pinky did well on debut and can grow from this,” said Friday. “He now knows the level and what is expected. I am sure as he grows in confidence we will see even more of Pinky both in attack and defense as he is hungry to learn and brave and decisive in his decision-making.”