The Women’s Eagles Sevens scored two late tries to defeat Spain 19-7 inside the iconic Luzhniki Stadium and secure themselves a place in the Rugby World Cup Quarterfinals.
Head Coach Ric Suggitt has rotated his players throughout the weekend, with three changes from the last match, starting Vanesha McGee, Kelly Griffin and Deven Owsiany.
The Eagles kicked deep to start the match, but Spain responded well by slicing through the defense. Sweeper Victoria Folayan - who has had a very busy day saving tries - was excellent yet again with the cover tackle. Following a scrum, Spain continued to threaten with ball in hand, but a massive Jillion Potter #WorkForIt tackle prevented a certain score.
Christy Ringgenberg finally managed to get her hands on possession, and the Eagles used McGee and Folayan as strike runners to gain territory. The width in attack saw Griffin feed Ringgenberg on the wing, as she goose stepped her way around one defender, then used her speed to get past the sweeper and score.
The conversion attempt sailed wide, and the Eagles led 5-0.
Kicker Kimber Rozier then put up a high contestable restart, which was claimed superbly by Potter. The USA attacked, but are bundled into touch. Spain moved the ball wide and exploited a rare hole in the defense, touching down under the poles. The conversion put Spain ahead 7-5 as the halftime siren sounded.
Substitute Nathalie Marchino came on for Ringgenberg.
Spain tried to advance out of their half, but a textbook tackle from Griffin prevented the linebreak. From a scrum, Spain had possession again and this time they broke through, but Eagles winger Folayan timed her tackle to perfection. The resulting turnover from Potter, gave McGee a chance to spot a gap in Spain’s line and ghost through for a fabulous 5-pointer.
Rozier’s conversion put the Eagles in front 12-7.
Potter was involved yet again - this time putting in a huge tackle at the restart. Kathryn "KJ" Johnson drove through the ruck, stole the ball, and worked it to the short side where the fantastic Folayan dove over in the corner to seal the match for the USA.
Rozier put in a brilliant sideline conversion and the Eagles defeated Spain 19-7.
The win puts the Eagles at 3-0 during pool play, and they will match up against Ireland in the Cup Quarterfinals to be played at 4.50 AM E.T. in Gorodok Stadium on Sunday.
USA Rugby will be filming the USA vs. Ireland clash and it will be made available on USA Rugby’s YouTube Channel.
Meanwhile all games at the Luzhniki Stadium (including the Women’s Cup semifinals and finals) will be shown on www.rwcsevens.com as well as broadcast on Universal Sports. Coverage on Universal Sports will begin on June 30 at 1:30 AM E.T.
Follow live updates on Twitter from the official USA Rugby account (@USARugby) and read game recaps on www.usarugby.org/rwc2013 and www.rwcsevens.com. Join the conversation using #RWC7s.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Spain Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Spain Women’s Eagles Sevens | Schedule Women’s Eagles Sevens | Results
1. Jillion Potter
2. Kelly Griffin
3. Vanesha McGee
4. Deven Owsiany
5. Kimber Rozier
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Victoria Folayan
8. Kathryn "KJ" Johnson (s)
9. Irene Gardner (s)
10. Emilie Bydwell (s)
11. Nathalie Marchino (s)
12. Ryan Carlyle (s)
Tries: Ringgenberg, McGee, Folayan
Conversion: Rozier (2)
USA vs. Ireland - Cup Quarterfinals - 7.50AM E.T. (Gorodok Stadium)
USA 12 Brazil 7 (Pool Stages - June 29)
USA 31 Fiji 5 (Pool Stages - June 29)
USA 19 Spain 7 (Pool Stages - June 29)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Staff
Ric Suggitt (Head Coach)
JoAnne Kos (Assistant Coach/Team Manager)
Nicole Titmas (Athletic Trainer)
Dr. Lisa Bartoli (Team Doctor)
Source : http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/by_country/u_s/7012290/women_s_eagles_go_undefeated_in_pool_play