It was a difficult time in Cape Town for the USA Men's 7s team, as they ended up winning exactly one game all weekend, getting that in the final match to take 9th out of 12.
Day Two Games: USA vs Great Britain
The men looked to right the wrongs from Day 1, coming up against a bewildered GB team. The restart's receive woes continued for team USA as GB kicked over their pods and contested extremely well.
The Eagles breathed a sigh of relief as Great Britain butchered a certain try over the line in the opening stages. The USA looked frantic as their passing off the base of the scrum and at the back of the ruck was under immense pressure. As the USA looked to set up their attack, the ball shot out of the ruck and GB strolled in for an easy try and a 7-0 lead. As GB starved the USA of possession at kickoffs, they put in a well-placed kick and found acres of space in behind, regathering and scoring their second.
Minutes later the Eagles played copycat and put in an identical kick and Malachi Esdale regathered to get points on the board and make it 14-7. The remainder of the half was helter-skelter as the Eagles passing was inaccurate and hindered their ability to gain momentum.
The second half saw the USA losing possession (again) this time mere inches from the tryline. The pressure continued to mount as the Eagles fumbled another ball at the back of a good scrum platform. Moving away from their set pieces the USA found their second try by use of a quick tap and Esdale running in for his brace. Madison Hughes converted to tie it up 14-14.
Shortly after the restart, team GB hit back with the veteran Hughes missing a tackle on the edge. That made it 21-14 for Great Britain and when a final scoring attempt was squandered by the USA—their passing accuracy let them down and a wide pass floated into touch—that was it.
The USA will need to learn to absorb pressure in heated moments.
