The USA Men’s 7s team did not play well in Paris, lost in the Bowl semifinals, and slipped from 5th to 6th in the World Series standings.

In fact, given the Eagles’ recent form, they might slip to 7th. This is a far cry from the first seven tournaments of the season, during which they finished in the top eight all seven times, and finished in the top four twice.

But Singapore was iffy, and Paris downright discouraging.

Head Coach Mike Friday wasn’t exactly thrilled with what happened, either.

“We performed very poorly,” said Friday, bluntly. “No excuses. It wasn’t to the level we expect of ourselves in terms of accuracy and commitment to task. We need to realize as a group that we all have to be 100% ready every game and that if even one of us is not that we will come unstuck.”

Unstuck seems to be the word for it. They beat Portugal, but with the score 19-10 the Eagles fumbled around with the ball on their own goal line, and ended up giving away a penalty try for kicking the ball out from under a potential scorer. They hung on 19-17, but that was kind of how the tournament went. They beat Canada handily by relaxing and keeping the ball, but against Scotland had all sorts of chances to score and win, but seemed to miss the opportunities.

In the opener against Argentina, the Eagles lost 36-0.

“We gift-wrapped eight turnovers,” lamented Friday. “That ultimately was the end, as even if we had won both games day 2 we would have not progressed doe to our poor points difference. We did show moments on Day Two, but again our accuracy at too many other times cost is dearly and that was very much the story Day Three too.”

When the Eagles have played well, they support each other, especially right behind. But it seemed as if players were looking around for help at times and they didn’t have it. Those quick offloads one after another after another which led to a tournament win a year ago in London weren’t there.

“This series is hugely unforgiving if a team or individuals within the team are not 100% ready focused and committed,” said Friday. “I am expecting and demanding huge improvements next weekend in personal preparation to ensure come each game as a group we are all collectively committed focused and prepared for three very tough games. We are a good team and a capable team but need to recognize we have to work so hard to maintain that status.” 

So with one more World Series tournament before the end of the season and preparation for the Olympics, the Eagles have Samoa, South Africa, and Canada to face. What will the coach want to see?

“I will be wanting an insane desire and work ethic as a foundation for next week and a layer of attacking accuracy and ruthlessness in taking the opportunities that we are already creating.”