A year ago it seemed improbable, if not impossible that the U.S. would qualify for the 2016 Olympics. However, a complete turnaround under head coach Mike Friday and staff, expressed by a Cup win at the London 7s, was capped off with a 21-5 win over Canada at the NACRA 7s. For years we've known it was going to come down to the U.S. and Canada and in an intense and physical final it was the U.S. defense and work at the breakdown that showed through as they completed their long awaited goal.
Canada, underdogs in the match, came out attacking and put the U.S. on notice with strong play. They stole a lineout and were only stopped from scoring thanks to some mistakes and good U.S. defense. Thanks to the U.S. defense they were soon able to win possession but they to had a few errors. Having played minnows throughout the tournament both teams found it an adjustment early.
Take the jump to read more.When they finally had a good spell of possession the U.S. looked strong. The first breakthrough came several minutes when Folau Niua created a turnover at the scrum with a quick reaction. The ball was quickly moved across the field into the hands of Perry Baker who split the defense, evaded tackles, and went in for the try. The whole was involved in keeping possession but Andrew Durutalo did a lot to keep the ball free. With the conversion the U.S. led 7-0.
Not long after the U.S. doubled their lead. Canada made a run deep into U.S. territory but a poach from Durutalo gave the ball back. Baker made the initial run but when he was caught he offloaded to Danny Barrett who outraced Sean Duke for the try. Hughes again connected on the conversion and the U.S. led 14-0.
Keeping possession, which was the difference in the match, allowed the U.S. to continue to press Canada. When Canada did have the ball the U.S. defense broke but didn't break frustrating Canada who was solid on attack.
The U.S. finally went up 21-0 when a great pass from Niua found Maka Unufe for the try. That said, things didn't end on a high note for the U.S. as Folau Niua was shown a yellow card for leading with his knee as he headed for the tryzone.
Down a man with Niua in the bin to start the second half Canada came out with urgency and aggressively. However, they weren't able to capitalize thanks again to U.S. work at the breakdown. Good time management saw the Eagles take time off the clock and when Niua came back on no damage had been done.
It wasn't perfect for the U.S. and several times they gave opportunities to Canada on the lineout. Time and time again Canada tried to make the U.S. pay and were finally successful when Harry Jones scored a great team try in the corner. The conversion wasn't successful keeping Canada down three scores.
Canada put in one last bit of pressure, and were even added with Chris Wyles being shown a yellow for knocking the ball away, but the U.S. were able to hold on and when Madison Hughes kicked the ball out they became Olympians.