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After being disappointed to miss out on the Cup rounds with previous losses to England and Australia the Eagles finished day one at the Dubai 7s on a high note with a 26-17 win over Kenya. The win was crucial in that it will give them a better chance of advancing in the Bowl competition tomorrow by earning a match-up with Japan and while the win wasn't perfect it should give the team confidence that they can go on a similar run to their Bowl win in the Gold Coast.
The match started off brilliantly for the Eagles as Maka Unufe, who was making his first start of the day along with Carlin Isles, took the kick off and fed to Isles who broke through a tackle and raced in for the try. Hughes was good with his conversion and the Eagles led 7-0.
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The Eagles would extend their lead to 12-0 a few minutes later when the U.S. worked their way down the pitch with runs from Unufe and Martin Iosefo. A pass from Andrew Durutalo eventually found Isles for the try. The Eagles would then add another when poor defending from Kenya allowed Zack Test to score to make it 19-5. Kenya did let up, however, and score via Daniel Sikuta to make it 19-5 at the break.
The second half saw the U.S. lose Test to an ankle injury. His status is unclear but it looked serious enough to put his day two in doubt. If he is out tomorrow it would be a big blow to the Eagles, especially after her performance against Kenya where he showed the same form that led to a Dream Team selection in the Gold Coast.
The Eagles added to their lead following a spell of possession when Maka Unufe backed himself and showed a great burst of strength to cross over for a try. With just a few minutes to go in the half it came at a crucial time and gave the U.S. a 26-5.
That try sealed the match but it didn't stop Kenya from pumping in two late tries from Sikuta and Dennis Muhanji. Head coach Mike Friday won't be pleased letting in a couple of tries in a short time frame but should overall be happy with the win.
The U.S. will now play Japan tomorrow/tonight at 1:14 a.m. et/10:14 p.m. pt. If they win that match they will play the winner of France vs. Kenya.
Starters: Barrett, Durutalo, Iosefo, Isles, Test, Unufe, Hughes