Port Elizabeth 7s: New Zealand 43-7 Eagles

Photo: Martin Seras Lima

As expected, New Zealand rolled to a 43-7 win over the U.S. in the second match for both teams at the Port Elizabeth 7s. The tone was set early when Gillies Kaka scored a little over a minute into the match. The Eagles had been on the front foot prior to that point and thanks to a nice run from Zack Test had even worked their way down close to the line, but some clinical counter rucking from the All Blacks allowed Ambrose Curtis to make a run all the way down the field before passing to Kaka. With the conversion the score was 7-0.

But the Eagles would waste no time in getting a try of their own. Zack Test claimed the long restart and then made a simple pass to Carlin Isles. That was all Isles would need as he used his speed to burn past New Zealand on the outside for the brilliant score. It was the kind of play that has been needed by Isles for awhile. The easy conversion made it 7-7.

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But the moment wouldn't last long. With only three minutes to go in the half New Zealand showed exactly why they are the best side in the world by scoring three tries from Sherwin Stowers to end the half. All three tries came from simple rucking and quick passing. The U.S. had no answer for the strength of the All Blacks. The fact that they couldn't make a tackle didn't help either. At halftime New Zealand led 22-7.

In the second half the New Zealand onslaught didn't let up. Lote Raikabula extended the lead less than a minute into the match. Once again New Zealand was able to quickly expose the gaps in the U.S. defense. Throughout the half the U.S. was starved of possession. In fact, aside from the early Isles try they had no possession at all. Gillies Kaka would then add the final two scored to make the final 43-7.

Adding insult to injury was the fact that DJ Forbes and Tomasi Cama only made cameo appearances at the end of the match. Full credit to the All Blacks who are the deepest team on the Series. They were clinical throughout the match and stopped the U.S. from doing getting any sort of momentum. The U.S. were expected to struggle in the match but once again a big loss will be cause for worry.

The U.S. must now focus on beating Portugal in order to gain better seeding in the Bowl quarterfinals. Portugal have been playing well and beat Portugal in their last match.

Starters: Isles, Edwards, Durutalo, Test, Thompson, Niua, Haitsuka

Subs Used: Craigwell, Tomasin, Mizell, Punimata