GRR: National Teams
It’s a banana race … all in a bunch.
The Men’s Sevens World Series got no more spread out after a wild weekend in Hamilton, and all that did was raise the stakes for the remaining tournaments, especially the LA Sevens.
The USA women made a massive move toward securing an automatic berth in the 2024 Olympics with a second place finish in he Hamilton 7s.
Perhaps it was no surprise that the hosts New Zealand won it all, and were in sterling form in the final, taking the Eagles down 33-7, but the USA women had already leaped over significant hurdles.
Two wins and one tie were enough to see the USA men's national 7s team into the Cup Quarterfinals in Hamilton, NZ and keep their streak of good results going.
It wasn't all smooth sailing, however, as the Eagles were pushed a little bby Japan and a world class conversion kick from Stephen Tomasin to remain unbeaten.
The USA Women's 7s team went 3-0 in the Hamilton 7s, putting themselves in excellent position to once again reach the podium.
Despite the fact that the attack still isn't firing quite as well as it could, the Eagle game is working thanks to a hardworking defense and just enough special moments.
By the time this next sequence of Sevens World Series tournaments is over the women will be halfway through their season.
The USA has a very good chance to secure a spot in the 2024 Olympics by finishing among the top four in the season. They can do that by repeating what they've done in Dubai and Capte Town, and finish 3rd.