The USA and New Zealand had met 28 times in the sport of Rugby Sevens before their match at the 2015 Dubai Sevens tournament, and in that time New Zealand have maintained a perfect record against the Americans.
That all ended today when a penalty try scored after full time and successful conversion saw the USA claim a 14-12 win in one of the biggest upsets and one of the most dramatic finishes the sport has seen.
It was an elusive run from Perry Baker after USA were given a penalty on the full time buzzer that saw the Americans score the try they needed to level the scores at 12-12.
Then a successful conversion from Madison Hughes from a difficult position put the USA up 14-12 and gave them the win.
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Magic Breeze
Roar Rookie
Excuses is a cancer accept the loss & move on!! USA rugby players all come late to rugby so beating NZ makes it that much sweeter good on them!!
soapit
Guest
yep might be a case of careful what you wish for for the irb. if usa rugby starts tapping their homegrown talent to the entent the other nations do in the future.
American Dave
Guest
It was a great weekend to be an Eagles fan.
Jerry
Guest
I can't even remember the last time I watched a game of 7's, so no I really don't.
Bazza
Guest
You care Jerry, you just dont like playing the victim..
Jerry
Guest
Oh my, I'm so embarrassed...oh wait, no I'm not - I don't really care about 7's and even if I did, NZ is still a decent chance of a medal at Rio.
Bazza
Guest
NO EXCUSES.!!! better team won...
Bazza
Guest
USA beat un zud ??? it must be the biggest upset in the history of rugby sevens...OMFG
cuw
Guest
NZ would worry about the injury toll at the start of the season and there are 9 more legs before the Rio gig. even before they got off at Dubai lost Wakka (replaced by Kaka :) ). for the last match they only had 7 fit guys and when Sherwin Stowers went off injured and Gus Pulu was binned, they had only 5 on the park against 7 for one play!!! its hard to feel sorry for NZ with all their talent but this was a real bummer. maybe IRB instead of trialing substitution laws (5 instead of 3 ) shud allow a team of 14 so that the competition stays a competition.
p.Tah
Guest
I don't believe Portugal have beaten NZ. They drew 24 all in March this year, but that doesn't matter. I agree there are one off upsets, but this is something more. It is a big deal in my books (not because they beat NZ) but because it shows that the USA sevens program is developing well. Beating NZ, South Africa and pushing England to extra time in Dubai following their victory in London last season is very positive.
Nick
Guest
It's not a "big deal" at all. Isn't that even y side is who has beaten NZ? Portugal did it just last season. As for the second victory in this tournament, that's more likely down do the injury toll more than anything else.
Rangi
Guest
USA! USA! USA! USA! Happy for anyone to beat nuzeelund
p.Tah
Guest
It's a big deal. USA actually beat NZ twice in this tournament. Beat South Africa and just lost to England in extra time.
Bunratty c
Roar Rookie
US Sevens ....good chance to medal in Rio https://amp.twimg.com/v/c8fda537-7dcf-4227-9f93-148b5150c9f3
kelefua
Guest
Yep it was only a matter of time really. USA just rocked SA too so no fluke thats for sure. NZ, SA & AUS will need to attract more talent from their 15s teams so more $$ in sponsorship etc is needed. But isn't it great to see a team outside of the usual suspects get another tournament win. Bring on thr Olympics!
Targa
Guest
The US have just beaten South Africa in the 1/4s
Nick
Guest
Hardly a stunner Kenya have beaten Nz in sevens before, it's an open game and anyone can win it. When NZ have their ABs available for Rio it'll be interesting to see if they pull away from the pack as they have in the past.
USrugger
Guest
The Olympics! That'll do it. First: wave a chance for Gold glory...then USOC throws a ton of money their way...& its game on. When they cleaned up in London last year, I had to call around & check multiple news sources. I was simply in disbelief... No longer...