It was a difficult day for the USA Women’s National 7s team in Langford, BC, but in the end they got what they wanted.
The Eagles started off poorly, losing to a Spain team they really should beat handily - an early 7-0 lead was undone by two Spanish tries - the second and game-winner from a fumbled lineout on the USA 5-meter. Spain won 10-7.
The Americans rebounded with a good win over Fiji. After falling behind 5-0, the Eagles got tries from Carmen Farmer and Christy Ringgenberg to get back on top.Then in the second half, with the score tied 12-12, Richelle Stephens and then Nicole Heavirland scored to put the game away 24-12.
Next up was New Zealand, and what the Americans needs was to at least make sure a loss was not huge. As it was they did lose. Kristen Thomas put them up 7-0 but the Kiwis came back to take the game 19-7.
That left the USA 1-2 and with a points difference of -3, probably enough, should Spain beat Fiji, to get one of the two third-place spots in the quarters.
But, as it happened, Fiji beat Spain 15-10, leaving Fiji, Spain, and the USA all at 1-2. The Eagles had the best points difference, and they finished 2nd in Pool B behind 3-0 New Zealand.
So now Sunday sees the Eagles take on England in the Cup Quarterfinals. Kickoff is 11:06am Pacific Time. Coverage is on The Rugby Channel. http://www.therugbychannel.tv/#!
