About their first win for the USA 7s team this season, USA coach Al Caravelli said:
"We had a couple of scoring opportunities but couldn't score earlier. And after that they had about 65 percent of the possession. But the guys defended very well and I was proud of them for that." (RM)
RM Note: "In OT, the Eagles kicked off and did superbly well to retain possession. After that, they worked it through another phase before, finally, sending it wide for Leonard Peters to score in the corner."
RM Note: "Peters got his try and Caravelli said it was just return for all his hard work. Hard work, of course, is what it's all about. The Eagles have not started particularly well, but it's all relative. They had no warmup tournaments, as opposed to almost all the other teams on the circuit, and with so many players new to international sevens, Dubai had to serve as a proving ground and classroom."
About how they struggled without having any warmup tournaments like their competition, Caravelli said:
"I don't think it was a disadvantage that we didn't go to a preseason tournament, but I do think it would have been an advantage to us if we had gone. So now we're still finding our way." (RM)
RM Note: "Caravelli reminds us that in 2007 the USA went 0-5 in Dubai and then made the Cup Quarterfinals a week later. Last season they went from winning the Shield (the lowest of the four trophies) to the Cup Quarters."
About the steady improvement the USA team has been making, Caravelli said:
"We are focusing on achieving our goals within the game. Such as making 100 percent of our 1-on-1 tackles, always working hard on defense, and competing all game. Against Portugal we certainly did that." (RM)
About how they cut down on their turnovers, Caravelli said:
"We always want to stay on our feet as much as possible, but we were getting in trouble getting tackled and the other team getting hands on the ball immediately. So we need to focus on staying closer together in support groups. As we spend more time together we can work on this stuff." (RM)
About how the USA team has improved, Caravelli said:
"I remember two years ago in Dubai we gave up 51 turnovers in five games [as opposed to 38 this time around], but we improved greatly after that experience. We're ahead of where we were then. I am pleased with this squad and I want to keep it together." (RM)
http://www.rugbymag.com/news/sevens/usa-men-7s/baby-steps-for-us-7s-team.aspx
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