The USA is through to quarterfinals of the Rugby World CUp 7s women's bracket fter a pretty effective 39-7 defeat of Poland.
It was a good, physical, and very quick Polish side that took the field against the USA in Cape Town but the Eagles had a smart game plan and executed it well. Cheta Emba won the kickoff and that was the beginning of the story, as the Eagles moved the ball from side to side. It wasn't especially pretty, but Jaz Gray finished it off nicely with an excellent burst of speed and a 5-0 lead. The Eagles were back again with a good charge from Emba and then another break from Alena Olsen before Olsen sent a wide pass to Gray and she was in.
Not to be outdone, Naya Tapper marked her return to the world stage with a try set up by Ilona Maher to make it 17-0.
Poland came back. A smart kick ahead got them field position and then pressure defense forced a knock-on by Olsen. Halfback Katarzyna Paszczyk then scampered around the weak side and was over the line pretty much untouched. Karolina Jaszczyszyn converted to make it 17-7. Looking to get the momentum back, Maher went on a powerful run up the middle, fending off defenders as she went. But she was caught just before the line and the first half ended 17-7.
