The USA Eagles 7s have had a rough start to the Sevens so far, with two defeats against Argentina and Canada. Which is not to say the Eagles have not played with all their usual heart and passion, they’ve come out and thrown everything at their opponents, the games just aren’t going their way. A punishing Canadian offence and a rampant Argentina both proved too much, however there is still the Scotland game to get some vital points on the board.
Last Word on Sport was able to catch up with resident USA speed demon Carlin Isles after the Canada game, where Isles was frank about the current tone in the locker room “Man, we’re just confused. We’re trying to figure things out, and just get things together mostly. We’re not happy with our performance, right now our mood is just monotone. We’re trying to figure things out and just lift our spirits.”
Isles was similarly frank about the game plan for their match about Scotland, when asked what they were going to do Isles simply stated “Win! That’s the plan. Doesn’t matter how we do it, we have to do it. Just win.”
One area that gives the Eagles a distinct advantage is the universal regard of Isles being the fastest man in Sevens Rugby, I asked Isles what his thoughts were about wearing that label, and if he felt that makes him a target. “Of course it makes me a target, but it also frightens defenders. The main thing is I’m glad to have that title. I want to put fear in peoples eyes when I’m on the field, I want them to be scared of what I can do. So for me it’s a blessing wearing that title.”
USA have to do some serious regrouping ahead of their game against Scotland at 18:56 (approx 12:56am EST) to at build on the spirited offence they have brought to the game thus far. Scotland are also coming off two losses so both teams have a lot of pride at stake and both will be laying it all on the line.
I’d like to sincerely thank Carlin Isles for being so gracious in his chat with me, as well as being the fastest player in Sevens he is an absolute gentleman. The Eagles may not have landed in the way they’d hoped, but the series isn’t over yet.
