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It was two losses from three matches for the men’s teams from the Americas on Day One of the Dubai Sevens. Only the USA were able to open their World Sevens Series season with a win as both Canada and Argentina suffered one-score defeats.
The opening match of the 2019-2020 circuit saw Canada take a 12-7 lead over Samoa heading towards halftime with tries from Nate Hirayama and Josiah Morra. Tofatu Solia responded to level the scores at the break, and a late try from Elisapeta Alofipo gave the 19-12 win to the Pacific Islanders.
Mike Friday won’t have enjoyed the two late scores conceded by his charges but the Eagles held on to take a convincing 24-19 win over Ireland. Carlin Isles started the scoring with Danny Barrett’s double and a runaway single for Perry Baker getting the job done.
Los Pumas did well to come back from a 12-nil deficit against France but both conversions missed their target leaving the South Americans two points short at the final whistle. Lautaro Bazán Vélez and Matías Osadczuk were the try-scorers for Argentina.
In other action, defending World Sevens Series champions Fiji got off to a shaky but winning start against Japan with the Blitzboks showing similar struggles against Kenya. Australia, New Zealand, and England each earned one-sided wins.
Day two will see Canada take on New Zealand and Wales, the USA play Scotland and Australia, and Argentina facing Fiji and Japan. Live broadcasts are available on the CBC Sports website in Canada, NBC Sports Gold in the USA, and ESPN in South America.
DAY ONE RESULTS
POOL A
France 12 – 10 Argentina
Fiji 24 – 17 Japan
POOL B
Australia 43 – 14 Scotland
USA 24 – 19 Ireland
POOL C
Samoa 19 – 12 Canada
New Zealand 36 – 7 Wales
POOL D
England 36 – 7 Spain
South Africa 17 – 12 Kenya
DAY TWO AMERICAS FIXTURES
Friday, Dec 6 – 11:36 local / 02:36 Eastern – Pool C – New Zealand vs Canada
Friday, Dec 6 – 12:20 local / 03:20 Eastern – Pool B – USA vs Scotland
Friday, Dec 6 – 13:04 local / 04:04 Eastern – Pool A – Fiji vs Argentina
Friday, Dec 6 – 17:06 local / 08:06 Eastern – Pool C – Canada vs Wales
Friday, Dec 6 – 18:12 local / 09:12 Eastern – Pool B – USA vs Australia
Friday, Dec 6 – 18:40 local / 09:40 Eastern – Pool A – Argentina vs Japan
COMPLETE FIXTURES LIST HERE
