The Women’s Eagles Sevens scored five tries to secure their second Pool C win at the Rugby World Cup, thanks to a 31-5 victory over Fiji inside Gorodok Stadium.
“We knew Fiji would be very physical, and we were ready for them,” commented Head Coach Ric Suggitt. “Credit to all twelve of our players for performing their roles--they really got the team going”.
The Eagles kicked off deep via Kimberly Rozier, and a great tackle in the corner by Victoria Folayan, gave the USA a 5-meter lineout. The set piece was excellent, and the ball went wide to winger Folayan who got past her defender to score for the Eagles after only 36 seconds played.
Rozier kicked the conversion and the USA led 7-0.
Following the restart, Fiji were awarded a scrum in the center of the field, near their 22-meter. Solid hussle from the Eagles disrupted the Fijian possession, and it was livewire Christy Ringgenberg who dove over to score the Eagles second try. The conversion missed, with the USA holding an early 12-0 lead.
Fiji eventually got their hands on the ball and winger Suliana Batirau Gusuivalu raced away to score for the Pacific Islanders. The conversion was unsuccessful, with the Eagles leading 12-5 with three minutes to play in the half.
Coach Suggitt inserted a few of his substitutes, bringing in Kelly Griffin and Deven Owsiany.
Fiji managed to retain the restart, and it took another superb Folayan tackle at sweeper to hault the forward momentum. Jillion Potter then stretched her legs and made a fantastic 60-meter run for the Eagles. Support arrived in numbers, and the ball eventually found Griffin into space. She touched down to score and together with Rozier’s conversion, they gave the Eagles breathing room at 19-5.
After halftime substitute Vanesha McGee used her speed down the touchline, and was very close to scoring but barely had a foot out and was called out-of-bounds.
Fiji tried to spark some magic, working their way to the Eagles 22-meter. Excellent defense led to a turnover for the USA, and McGee found open space on the outside. She earned the corner around the last defender and scored for the Eagles. Rozier added the extras and the Eagles took a 26-5 lead.
Moments later the Fijians were on attack again, and looked certain to score, but superb team defense saw another steal for the Eagles, as McGee sent Johnson down the touchline. The youngster used her speed and stamina to score a classic in the corner.
The Eagles were full value for their excellent 31-5 victory, and will play their final Pool C match against Spain at 12.00 PM E.T Saturday, June 29 inside Luzhniki Stadium. Earlier today they defeated Brazil 12-5, while Spain tied Fiji 14-14.
“Now we are going to have a good break and get ready for Spain” said Suggitt.
Watch the USA vs. Spain live on thewww.rwcsevens.com as well as broadcast onUniversal Sports. Coverage on Universal Sports will begin on June 29 at 1:00 AM E.T. and June 30 at 1:30 AM E.T.
Follow live updates on Twitter from the official USA Rugby account (@USARugby) and read game recaps onwww.usarugby.org/rwc2013 andwww.rwcsevens.com. Join the conversation using #RWC7s.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Fiji
1. Jillion Potter
2. Kelly Griffin (s)
3. Vanesha McGee (s)
4. Deven Owsiany (s)
5. Kimberly Rozier
6. Christine Ringgenberg
7. Victoria Folayan
8. Kathryn "KJ" Johnson (s)
9. Irene Gardner
10. Emilie Bydwell
11. Nathalie Marchino (s)
12. Ryan Carlyle
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Fiji
Tries: Folayan, Ringgenberg, Griffin, McGee, Johnson
Conversion: Rozier (3)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Schedule
USA 12 Brazil 7 (Pool Stages - June 29)
USA 31 Fiji 5 (Pool Stages - June 29)
USA vs. Spain 12.00 PM E.T Saturday June 29 [Luzhniki Stadium]
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/7012234/women_eagles_storm_fiji_31_5