Marcus Tupuola of the USA in action against Spain on day 1. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3198545/hong-kong-sevens-2022-surreal-moment-sam-walsh-returns-city-team-usa-debut HK Sevens
Hong Kong Sevens 2022: ‘Surreal’ moment as Sam Walsh returns to city for Team USA debut
- With his parents proudly looking on in the stands, Walsh fulfils a childhood dream by making his debut in Hong Kong
- Born in the US, but raised and educated in Hong Kong, 23-year-old plays part as young squad see off Japan on Saturday
Sam Walsh made his debut for USA at the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Antony Dickson
After being made to wait on Friday, Sam Walsh finally made his Hong Kong Sevens debut on Saturday with his parents proudly looking on from the stands.
The 23-year-old played his part in a hectic 35-22 win over Japan, as a young Eagles Sevens side made it two wins from two in pool C.
Despite not getting off the bench for the opening win over Spain, Walsh – born in the US, but raised and educated in Hong Kong – said it was still a special moment, and a significant one.
“I went to the Hong Kong Sevens every year and grew up watching the US boys,” Walsh told the Post. “I had the dream to come back to Hong Kong and play for the US. So for it to happen is really surreal.”
The former King George V pupil was given a boost of inspiration from the crowd, with the 20,000-odd there roaring on the US as they entered the field on Friday. Mixed in that crowd were Walsh’s former schoolmates, best friends and his family.
“I love it,” Walsh said. “My parents are here and it’s awesome to have the tournament back after three years. It’s great. A couple of the boys I grew up with through school are here and some of my best mates are here too. It’s really cool.”
The US squad, void of some of their most experienced players, came out on top in a dramatic encounter with Spain, who looked to have it in the bag.
Skipper Perry Baker was the star performer for the Americans, and put them in the lead. Juan Martinez converted his own second half try to give Spain a 14-10 lead, but Malacci Esdale’s score in the final minute helped the US snatch victory.
With the first game jitters over, there are much bigger fish to fry in the days ahead. The US will face Japan this morning, before a showdown with the undisputed kings of sevens, Fiji, later in the day.
Walsh said his teammates were ready for the challenge.
“We have been working hard on Spain for the past couple of weeks and we were really targeting this first match, a lot of film review and a lot of preparation. We’re excited for the next one,” he said.
“Japan tomorrow and then Fiji, we’re going to give it a good crack.”
Walsh, who played rugby in Hong Kong before taking his studies to the US, said it was a proud moment.
“I grew up playing here with the USRC Tigers. I played in college and made the natural progression to the Sevens,” he said.
Perry Baker of the USA was a star performer against Spain. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Despite the challenges of having a young and inexperienced team, the US are hoping for a strong finish in Hong Kong.
“We have quite a young team mixed in with some veterans, but the boys are excited to rip into it,” Walsh said. “We have a goal to make the top four [on the Series] this year and we’re working hard towards that.”
Coming into the tournament US coach Mike Friday said he was under no illusions as to the size of the task that awaits his squad, describing their pool C draw as a “baptism by fire”.
The US are also without key players, such as captain Kevon Williams and vice-captain Stephen Tomasin, along with Maka Unufe, Joe Schroeder, and star player Carlin Isles.