The USA Women’s Sevens team opened Sunday with a cup quarterfinal against England. It did not go well. The Americans fell behind 10-0 quickly and despite a late in the first half try the deficit was 22-7 early in the second half before the US eventually lost 29-7. The loss sent the US into their third meeting with Spain in the last two weeks. Having won last weekend and lost on Saturday the US and Spain played out a rubber match that was back and forth and quite competitive. The US would score a try late on to cut the deficit to 14-12 but the conversion kick from Akalaini Baraviala was no good and the US fell into the seventh place match against Russia.

Having beaten the Russians 19-7 last weekend for fifth place this meeting was a bit more competitive. The US opened with a 5-0 lead before Russia led 10-5 going into the final minutes. The US was able to tie it on a Kristen Thomas try off the bench but Baraviala’s conversion attempt was unable to give the US the win in regulation. Instead the two teams went to sudden death overtime and it didn’t take long for Joanne Fa’avesi to win it for the US.

Another month from now the final Sevens event will be held in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The season standings are such that the US has already clinched their spot in next year’s series and also are not able to win this seasons. It’ll take a strong final weekend though for the US to jump from their current seventh into the fifth spot where they finished last year.

Previous HSBC Women’s Sevens Series Coverage:
Langford Sevens Preview
Day 1 Update