7's is known as an incredibly cruel game and the U.S. losses to Canada on day 1 and Wales earlier in the day only exemplified this. Both were opportunities for U.S. wins that were given away at the end. So, when the Eagles took on Tonga in the Shield semi-finals, they were looking to make up for earlier disappointment. The match started out well for the Eagles with Carlin Isles once again showing his speed. The team worked the ball out wide and he blew past the Tongan defenders to pick up the teams first try. Tai Enosa made the conversion to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead. That lead was extended only minutes later when Luke Hume burst through for a try of his own. After Enosa's missed conversion, the Eagles led 12-0. However, Tonga came back and after some errors and missed tackles by the Eagles, Tonga pulled back two tries before halftime to take a 14-12 lead.
The second half didn't start out well for the U.S. as a penalty lead to an early Tongan try. The conversion was missed but they still took a 19-12 lead. However, the U.S. defense picked up its pace, leading to a turnover. The turnover was eventually worked out wide to Isles once again who picked up his second try of the match. Enosa's conversion meant the game was tied 19-19. On the ensuing lineout, the substitute Zach Test tipped the ball back to Make Unufe, who after doing a big of juggling, managed to touchdown under the posts. The conversion was good. Afterward, the U.S. kept up the pressure and eventually Enosa scored a try of his own. After his conversion the Eagles led 33-19 with only seconds remaining. After the hooter had gone, Tonga scored another try to bring the final score to 33-26.
The win means that the Eagles will play Scotland in the Shield Final at 3:02 a.m. et. (Sorry if anyone was hurt by my mis-stating the time of the Tonga match.
The second half didn't start out well for the U.S. as a penalty lead to an early Tongan try. The conversion was missed but they still took a 19-12 lead. However, the U.S. defense picked up its pace, leading to a turnover. The turnover was eventually worked out wide to Isles once again who picked up his second try of the match. Enosa's conversion meant the game was tied 19-19. On the ensuing lineout, the substitute Zach Test tipped the ball back to Make Unufe, who after doing a big of juggling, managed to touchdown under the posts. The conversion was good. Afterward, the U.S. kept up the pressure and eventually Enosa scored a try of his own. After his conversion the Eagles led 33-19 with only seconds remaining. After the hooter had gone, Tonga scored another try to bring the final score to 33-26.
The win means that the Eagles will play Scotland in the Shield Final at 3:02 a.m. et. (Sorry if anyone was hurt by my mis-stating the time of the Tonga match.
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