Things we learned after tue USA 7s team weekend.

Now that he's stopped cutting his hair, Madison Hughes, from a distance, is almost indistinguishable from Harley Wheeler.

Even if you have Perry Baker on your team, if you can't get support to the tackle to recycle possession, you're going to lose.

Christian Dyer is very welcome back on the field and he has also shown now let-off when it comes to his skill level or his athleticism. If anything, he is physically stronger than he was 18 months ago. That strength has improved his speed and that, combined with his fitness, makes him very. very useful. 

Resilience is something yo always want to see in a player. It was interesting to see someone like Anthony Welmers not have a great day on Friday and then immediately put that to bed and bounce back with some solid plays on Saturday. His ball rescue and setup of Marcus Tupuola in Day 2 Game 1 was impressive.

Series 1⃣ in the books.

Travis Prior pic.twitter.com/MdGjRH15op

— USA Rugby (@USARugby) December 5, 2020

We really like Harley Wheeler as a 7s player and the way he plays is a testament to his coaches at South Doyle and Life University. He doesn't allow an ankle tackle to just take him down—he's always looking to win that contact— and after that he always looks to pass. It's his unselfishness that makes him good. Wheeler can play hooker and halfback and reminds us a bit of James Gillenwater in his skill set.

Martin Iosefo and Kevon Williams have taken big strides forward.

Patience on offense is still a virtue.

We weren't kidding about this stuff. It holds true even at the highest level.

Jake Lachina has found a nice niche and settled in nicely. 

Training is good, but playing real games against real opposition, even if they're your friends, can't be simulated.