A blistering opening two minutes gave the Eagles the platform they needed to run out 26-12 winners over Samoa in their opening match at the Hong Kong 7s. The win puts them in a solid position to likely advance to the Cup quarterfinals for the second week in a row if they beat Scotland in their next match.
Great work from Garrett Bender to recover the opening kick gave the U.S. possession that they didn't waste. A few quick passes found Madison Hughes who made a nifty pass to Danny Barrett just before contact. Barrett then fended off a few defenders to score. With the conversion the Eagles had a 7-0 lead and a dream start.
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Only a minute later the Eagles got their second try. Again, it came off another won restart with Test batting the ball back. Some nice movement back and forth across the field saw the Eagles quickly work the ball down only a few meters out. A final pass out wide out to Test saw him score to make it 12-0.
When Samoa did have the ball, which was rare in the first half, they were their own worst enemy making a number of errors. They had two opportunities go wanting with a forward pass or a knock-on. It is definitely not the Samoan side we are used to seeing. However, they were patient and finally earned their try just before half with some straight ahead running. The conversion made it 12-7.
Rather than go into the half up a score the Eagles stayed diligent and were rewarded. Hughes chased down an attempted Samoan chip, recovered, and ran the length of the field untouched. With his own conversion the Eagles led 19-7 at the break.
Samoa were close to scoring in the opening minute of the second half but the U.S. did well to pull the Samoan player into touch. Still, Samoa kept coming and when Nick Edwards knocked on the ball at his own five meter line Samoa had a opportunity they wouldn't waste. Kelly Meafau would score to make it 19-12.
The teams then engaged in a bit of back and forth play before Test sealed the match with this second try of the day with less than a minute to go. Hughes put in a lovely chip that he recovered. While on the ground he made a hopeful pass that was picked up by Test to run in under the posts. Final: U.S. 26-12 Samoa.
The U.S. will play Scotland at 8:34 p.m. et/5:34 p.m. pt.