GRR: Eagle Men
The USA is 1-0 in Men's Olympic Rugby pool action but it wasn't easy, or pretty.
The Americans seemed in control after about four minutes, but then started making silly errors that put themselves under pressure. Eventually, however, they needed just a couple of big plays, and they got them.
With the injury to Ben Pinkelman every USA forward on the Olympic 7s team will have to raise their game to compensate.
Some of the load will fall on the admittedly broad shoulder of Joe Schroeder. The powerful, long-striding Schroeder has slowly been getting more and more minutes with the USA team, and he brings an extra offensive dimension team. He is also an intriguing story.
Glendale, Colo. — The USA Men’s Eagles will kick off their Rugby World Cup qualification series on September 11 at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colo., taking on border rival Canada for the final match in a Rugby Americas North set.
Martin Iosefo came into this spring/summer USA 7s team assembly in the best shape of his life, and he is poised to make a big impact in Tokyo.
The Flyn’ Hawaiian was forced, like his teammates, to take time off during the COVID pandemic in 2020. For Iosefo, that time off coincided with his desire to re-format his training, and also support his wife’s career.
Following his red card against Ireland, USA flanker Riekert Hattingh has been suspended four weeks by World Rugby.
Hattingh, who was cited and exonerated for a challenge in the air against England, was red-carded against Ireland for a dangerous tackle.
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