2012 Vegas Sevens – Women’s International Invitational Tournament was EPIC!

Whew, and 3 days later we all return to our normal lives… 2012 Vegas was one of the biggest and best weekends in the history of rugby in the USA. My team was honored to bring everyone the webcast for each and every women’s match! If you enjoyed the broadcast, please consider sending us a donation as we are a team of volunteers (10% of your donation goes to the USA WNT). 

Canada overcame hosts USA 14-5 to retain their Las Vegas International Women’s Sevens title at the Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandy Marchak led the way with a try in the final as the Canadians maintained their winning form. Ghislaine Landry scored their other try, while Vanesha McGee scored USA’s sole try. The women’s event ran alongside the USA Sevens at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

Brazil won the Plate, beating the USA second string the Stars and Stripes in the final 21-14. On day one of the competition, home favourites USA overcame last year’s runners-up the Netherlands 17-5 in the first semi final. Defending champions Canada saw off the challenge of France 19-12 to join them in the final.

Along with the a highly successful women’s tournament, the men’s tournament was heralded as a huge success. 64,107 fans came through the turnstiles over the three match days and the 30,112 on day two was the biggest ever rugby crowd to assemble in North America. The Ustream viewing numbers for the women were equal impressive, doubling from last year. Total views was 11,752!!!!!

2012 Vegas Details

• Rewatch all of the women’s matches via the Ustream archives
• Rewatch the Championship match between USA and Canada here
• Review all the scores and rosters here
• Follow YSC Rugby on Facebook and Twitter for women’s rugby coverage year round

Press Release from USA Rugby:

USA Loses to Canada in Women’s Final

Las Vegas, Nev. — Day Three of the USA Sevens began with some exciting play by the men but it was the final for the Women’s International 7s that really got the American faithful to their feet as the USA Eagles took on Canada in front of a growing crowd in Sam Boyd Stadium.

The USA Women’s Eagles 7s team found themselves in a much anticipated final with Canada after dominating to an undefeated record through day one and two in Las Vegas. The Canadians came into Las Vegas as the ones to beat, however, as they displayed their experience and powerful attack early on in the tournament.

From the kickoff of the match, the Canadians came out firing, outpacing the Eagles a few times on the fringes. But the Eagles defense came out very strong too making big hits in front of a roaring crowd. The tackling efforts of the Eagles could not however cover the opening gaps in their defensive lines. Canada was quick to notice an overload on the right side and expose the Eagles in their drifting defensive system. Canada dotted down after Vanesha McGee bit it on an opponent and left her opposite number to catch an easy pass and touch down over the try line. The conversion was made and Canada led 7 to 0 with two minutes gone.

The next attacking opportunity for the Eagles came from a lineout at midfield. Looking to test the Canadian defense with a set play the Eagles spun it wide to try machine McGee. After breaking through a poor tackle attempted by her opposite number she powered her way through one more tackle to clear the defensive line and find herself strolling into the Canadian try-zone all alone. She dotted down to cheers from the crowd. The conversion was missed and the game was tight at Canada 7, USA 5 at half time.

The second half begun with Canada attacking quickly but the USA turned over the ball after using their well-established technique at the break down. After great counter rucking and tackling, the USA pressured the Canadians into making a mistake which result in an Eagles scrum.

The Eagles lost the ball in the resulting phases however and the Canadians were quick to counter-attack against the broken American defense. The Canadians dotted down under the posts after good support and superb offloading. The conversion was made and Canada went up 14 to 5 over the Eagles with a few minutes left.

The last minutes of the game saw the ball change possession quite a few times as both teams attempted to secure victory. The Eagles grew desperate and broke away from their pattern, trying to punch the ball through with a grubber. The kick was chased well by the Eagles but too much power was put into it and the ball rolled out of the end of the try zone as Canada was awarded a 22 meter drop with no time left.

From the kick the USA worked the ball wide again trying everything to score. But the attempt was not to be as the USA knocked it on and Canada was awarded a scrum to finish the game. Canada put the ball into touch to secure the Women’s 7s final and leave the Eagles grasping at a nine point deficit. It was a great weekend for the Eagles though as they went undefeated before the final and beat a strong Netherlands team in an exciting semifinals match.