Rugby Update: USA Score, Look Impressive as Fiji Looms

The United States Eagles are looking as a side on a high after just reached a IRB Final for the first time, and after their first two pool games at the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2010.

The Eagles launched their campaign on Friday night against relative minnows Portugal, who have limited experience in the IRB satellite tournaments held in Europe. 

It was a shaky start against the Europeans, despite looking impressive form the start.

Nick Edwards was the pick of the lot with his incisive runs and brilliant off-loads in the contact situation.

The Eagles looked a little sluggish, as you would after a round trip to the Far East, but in the end triumphed 17–10 over Portugal.

This morning, in the relative Hong Kong breeze, the Eagles defeated South East Asian powerhouses Thailand 62–0, with captain Kevin Swiryn scoring five tries in this route.

What is interesting to note is that while this was always going to be a mere formality for the Eagles, the Thais are respected greatly in this part of Asia for their humility and on-field passion for the game.

The Thais are ranked one of the best teams in South East Asia at Sevens, and regularly give the likes of Japan and Korea a run for their money.

The Thais have fielded a relatively young side at the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2010, in preparation for the Asian games at the end of the year.

Defeats at the hands of established giants Fiji on Friday, and 45–0 to Portugal, see the Thais winless at the end of their day one, with only one try scored, and that against the mighty Fijians.

The clash with Fiji might have looked a foregone conclusion in the past, but with the USA looking very much a well-oiled machine, and deserving of their last finals place, the game at 5:50 pm Hong Kong time will definitely be one to watch.