|
The US finished the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens tournament 2-4, losing to France in the Bowl quarterfinals, but then coming back to finish strong with two victories in the Shield bracket.
The USA just squeaked by Scotland, 17-14, and then really took it to the Arabian Gulf, winning 31-7 to walk away with the Shield in America’s first event as a 'core' side in the IRB Sevens World Series.
The US was able to quiet the home crowd with tries by Nese Malifa, Justin Boyd (2), captain Chris Wyles and vice-captain Todd Clever.
|
The hosts scored once through Taif Al Delamie.
“There’s definitely an expectation to perform (now that we are considered a ‘core’ team),” captain Chris Wyles said.
“We aren’t happy with where we are right now, but it’s nice to come away with some hardware. We are a better team, though, and our expectation is to be better.”
In the Cup Finals, South Africa overcame England in a dramatic finish to become the Champions of Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens, winning 19-12, and getting their 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series campaign off to the perfect start.
The teams are back at it again next weekend as they head to South Africa and face off in the second IRB Sevens World Series event in George.
In the women’s bracket, the US lost its only match on Saturday, falling to Saudex Wooden Spoon 17-7. The Wooden Spoon team later fell to England’s Sporting Chance Foundation in the final, 12-10.
