ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Rio Olympics Focus: Team USA and Perry Baker's sizzling tries

BY davidharper  ·  Thursday May 26, 2016

In case you haven’t noticed, the current US squad are building an impressive Sevens resume. Having won their first series tournament in London 2015, they followed with an impressive 2015-2016 campaign that saw them place sixth overall, only two points shy of Argentina.

This was the second sixth-place finish in a row, for a team used to life outside the top 10. 

In the past, Rugby has had a hard time competing with other American sports. However, if there is one international sporting event in which the US refuses to take a back-seat, it’s the Olympics.

The fact that the US are the current gold medal holders will not be lost in the overall conversation. The wider American public expects medals… in everything. This could be the door to gaining wider acceptance in the States.

Admittedly, the phrase: A Sleeping Giant is perhaps the most over-used expression in the sport. However, with increased awareness has come increased funding for high-class facilities, high-class coaching and an increased time spent together in training.

Names like Carlin Isles, Danny Barrett, and Perry Baker confirm there is something to the phrase after all. Notably, US captain Madison Hughes also finished topsof the 2015-2016 leaderboard in points and most conversions, while also finishing fourth overall in tackles made.

‘Speedstick’ Baker also locked down a spot on the season’s Dream Team.

Head coach Mike Friday admits the team has come a long way: “We’re not under the radar. We have a great balance of power, pace, and physicality, so we are able to mix it with all those Tier 1 nations.” 

Other coaches are noticing too. “They are a threat to any team,” All Black Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens said. The days of coasting under the radar for the US are over.

With the rest of the world putting a serious effort behind their Sevens campaigns, it remains a long shot for a spot on the podium. But with some bookmakers giving them decent odds, a medal is not fully out of the question.

The parity in Sevens has never been more diverse. Over the past 12 months, there have been seven tounament winners. With better consistency and a strong mental approach, the US have a more than average chance of a medal.

Here is a look at Perry Baker’s excellent four-try haul against New Zealand at the London 7s

PLUS: Get Complete Rugby Nutrition FREE

Our most popular workouts are back for this week only. Get your position-specific workout now by clicking below

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck...

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Canada Rugby welcomes 10,000 youngsters to...

  • 40 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth -...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

View All