U.S. Men's National Sevens Team Goes 1-2

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Following two early round losses, the USA Men's National Sevens Team was able to redeem itself with a win against Tonga to close out their first day with a 1-2 record at the IRB's World Sevens Series in Wellington, New Zealand.

After trailing just 10-0 at the half in their tournament opener versus England, the U.S. team was outpaced in the second, eventually falling 31-7. Leonard Peters was the lone try-scorer for the Eagles, with Nese Malifa converting.

In their second pool match, the USA led Kenya 7-5 at the half, following a Mile Pulu try and conversion by Nese Malifa. However, the Kenyans came storming back in three-try second half to overcome the Americans 24-7 at the final blow.

In the third match, the USA found a bit of success, scoring two tries in the first to give the U.S. a 10-7 lead at half. Matt Hawkins touched down that first try within the first moments of the game, while Nese Malifa touched down the second just as the seventh minute wound down.

In the second half, the U.S. Team was just focused on holding Tonga. A Zach Test try halfway through helped the Americans keep their focus and the U.S. finished with its only win of the day, 15-7, over Tonga.

The USA will next face France in the Bowl quarterfinals on Saturday in Wellington (kickoff 1:44 p.m. /local time NZ - GMT +13 hours).

For more information on the U.S. Sevens Team, please visit www.usarugby.org/goto/mens_sevens. For more information on the IRB Sevens Tournament, please visit www.irbsevens.com.

Day 1: Pool Play

U.S. Roster

1 Matt Hawkins

2 Marco Barnard

3 Mark Bokhoven  

4 Shalom Suniula

5 Zachary Test

6 Mile Pulu

7 Nese Malifa

8 Leonard Peters

9 Kevin Swiryn

10 Ata Malifa

11 Nick Edwards

12 Paul Emerick

England 31, USA 7
U.S. Try: Peters
U.S. Con: Malifa

Kenya 24, USA 7

U.S. Try: Pulu
U.S. Con: Malifa

USA 15 Tonga 7
U.S. Tries: Hawkins, Malifa, Test

Tags: U.S. Men's National Sevens Team, USA Rugby