USA Eagles
33 19
France
12  
Men's Sevens
The National Stadium
Men's Sevens @ The National Stadium
April 28, 2018 • 12:30 pm SMT
Singapore Sevens
Referee:  Matthew Rodden
ESPN+

Men's Sevens Soar to First Win of Singapore Sevens

Patient play and sharp attack leads to victory over France  |  Mike Lee/KLC Fotos
Aalina Tabani  •   •   • 
 

KALLANG, SGP. - The Men's Eagles Sevens showed fans in Singapore exactly how they play sevens today. In a 33-12 victory over France, the squad employed patience in play and excellent passing to earn their first win of Singapore Sevens. Now set to face England for only the second time this season, the team will search for the same consistency to put themselves in position for another Cup run. The match begins at 3:56 AM ET, LIVE on ESPN+. Updates -- which were provided by USA's Madison Hughes for the first match -- will be available by following @USARugby on Twitter. 

Learning to find a rhythm without playmaker Folau Niua, the United States was initially challenged to control an early French attack. After a penalty gave France prime pitch position, a turnover gave the ball back to the U.S. who lost possession in an ensuing lineout. At that point, the Eagles quickly realized that patience would be a critical tool. 

As their new dynamic began to take shape, USA Captain Ben Pinkelman found space and made a pass to Kevon Williams who's offload to Martin Iosefo drew the first score, 7-0. Then, Big Man Danny Barrett took possession immediately at the restart where sharp passing lead to an Iosefo-Matai Leuta handoff to make it 14-0. Iosefo -- showing an undeniable comfort in his role -- won the ball from a scrum a few minutes after and handed it to Stephen Tomasin who helped Perry Baker seal a 19-0 lead at the half. 

When play resumed, the French were eager to make a statement. Exploiting U.S. mistakes with back-to-back tries, Pierre Gilles Lakafia entered the tryzone twice within one minute. The first, a breakaway which came during a tough defensive stance by USA, was followed by a deadly turnover deep in the Eagle 22 cutting, their lead to 19-12. 

But, unwilling to let mistakes dampen their confidence, the Men's Sevens delivered an incredible response. With quick offloads and a sharp attack, Carlin Isles came off the bench in speedy fashion and and darted across the field to make it 26-12. 

A turnover by France's Alexandre Lagarde put the ball back in American hands with only seconds remaining, allowing Perry Baker to make a final offload to Brett Thompson for the winning score, 33-12. 

The United States now brings momentum into their second match of Pool B against England, LIVE at 3:56 AM ET on ESPN+. Updates will also be available by following @USArugby on Twitter. 

MEN'S EAGLES SEVENS STAFF | 2018 HSBC Singapore Sevens

Head Coach - Mike Friday
Assistant Coach - Jon Hood
Team Manager/Assistant Coach - Phil Greening 
Physiotherapist - Brian Green

MEN'S EAGLES SEVENS SCHEDULE | 2018 HSBC Singapore Sevens

LIVE on ESPN+ with paid subscription
vs. France | 33-12 (W)
vs. England | Sat, Apr. 28 - 3:56 AM ET 
vs. Kenya | Sat, Apr. 28 - 7:44 AM ET