USA Rugby Women’s Eagles Secure Spot in Dubai Cup Semifinal

For all the up to date scores from Dubai 7s (including the Women’s Invitational), go here.

from USA Rugby:

DUBAI, U.A.E – The USA went 2-1 on day one of the IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup opener in Dubai, defeating South Africa and China to secure a spot against Canada in the cup semifinal.

The Eagles are the number two seed coming out of Pool B due to a shutout at the hands of rugby powerhouse, England.

Emilie Bydwell was lethal on day one for the USA, scoring three second half tries, two against South Africa and one against China, to help her team notch wins in those games.

Youngster Katie Dowty, USA captain Beth Black, and wily vet Pam Kosanke all chimed in on the score sheet as well.

Kosanke’s boot pressured the Chinese team immensely in that encounter, slotting conversions in the second half and forcing China to have to score a converted try if they hoped to level the scores. The Chinese wouldn’t even have the opportunity as the Eagles shut them out in the second half.

The experience of playing in the IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup is crucial for the younger players on the team in the short and long term.

The thrilling news released earlier this week that USA Rugby will offer fulltime contracts to eight Women’s Eagles, puts in perspective the value of getting players experience at the highest level, with an eye always on Rio 2016 when rugby sevens will make its Olympic debut.

Rivals Canada will lineup against the Eagles in the semi. Canada beat Brazil, Spain, and Australia on day one. The semifinal kicks off at 5:52 a.m. ET on Saturday December 3.

For all the up to date scores from Dubai 7s (including the Women’s Invitational), go here.