Close losses have become the order of the day for the USA men’s 7s team, as they were defeated by France in their second match in the Dubai 7s 17-14.

After giving up an early score to Marcel Dall Igna, the Eagles held France in check for the rest of the first half, and right before halftime took the lead, with captain Shalom Suniula scoring and converting his own try.

France, who had been thrashed by Canada in Round 1, retook the lead when Terry Bouhraoua, who had just subbed on, scored and converted to put his side up 12-7. Renaud Delmas then scored to make the lead almost insurmountable.

The USA has been brnging Carlin Isles on as a sub and trying to get the speedster the ball in space. Against Australia that was tough, but just before full time Isles found enough green to race in to make it, with Suniula’s conversion, 17-14.

There was just enough time to get the ball back, and the USA did, but despite a long series with the ball and a yellow card to Bouhraoua, they couldn’t get that winning truy.

France improves to 1-1 and faces Australia. The USA drops to 0-2.

USA 14
Tries: Suniula, Isles
Convs: Suniula 2

France 17
Tries: Dall Igna, Bouhraoua, Delmas
Convs: Bouhraoua

USA Starting Lineup
Matt Hawkins
Zack Test
Colin Hawley
Nate Augspurger
Shalom Suniula
Nick Edwards
Maka Unufe

Subs used:
Brett Thompson
Carlin Isles
Jack Halalilo
Folau Niua