Round four of the Men's Sevens World Series in Hamilton, New Zealand, this weekend is a chance for the USA to live up to the hype, because the team's new coach isn't quite on board, yet.

For Mike Friday, the moments of positive play at last weekend's Sydney Sevens were undercut by back-to-back losses against South Africa in the semifinals and Argentina in the bronze medal match that just weren't up to standard. OK, sure, Madison Hughes and Stephen Tomasin were out injured, but still the South Africans blew the Americans off the park in a 35-7 rout on Sunday.

"We were disappointed, if we are honest, with how it finished," Friday said. "Whilst we showed what we are capable of, none more so than in that Fiji game, but we also showed how we are still not taking those important moments as well. We need to work harder on being better at these moments."

The Eagles thumped Fiji 24-7 to make the semis and then seemed to hit a wall. The other game the USA lost, a 26-19 setback in its opener against Australia, was a close game in which the referee had a major impact.

Friday noted that Australia scored two tries while Martin Iosefo was unfairly in the sin bin for an intentional knock-on that seemed innocuous at worst.

"But we also have to take responsibility that we did not start this game as well as we can or need to," Friday said. "In the South Africa game, it’s more a case of we didn’t take the important moments and South Africa did what they do best and were ruthless in capitalizing. Tough lessons but ones we need to learn fast!"

A Pat On The Back For Maka

Without Hughes and Tomasin, Maka Unufe was thrust into a new job, playing scrumhalf on offense and then as a forward or a flyhalf at times, as well. Usually a seven-minute player with the USA, Unufe logged a full 14 repeatedly and did just fine, notching his 60th World Series try along the way.

"I was so pleased with the contribution Maka bought and also the resilience to play a number of 14-minute games," Friday said. "He is working so hard to be in great physical shape and also to become more comfortable playing more than center. Defensively his second efforts off the floor were good and always the best indication of how he is feeling in terms of energy and confidence."

Try again??‍♂️

Hugely physical Pool D in Hamilton
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— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) January 28, 2018

A Kick In The Butt For The Star

Meanwhile, Perry Baker, who led the Sydney Sevens with nine tries, had what Friday called a "mixed tournament."

Yes, Perry scored more tries than anyone else, "but he was the beneficiary of the team's work," Friday said.

"I need to see more physicality in his all around defensive work, and better accuracy in his aerial work, together with some X-factor finishes," the coach added. "We didn’t see that in Sydney and that is why he was crowned world player of year, not because he is on the end of team tries. This is a big weekend and a big challenge for him this weekend."

New Captain

Ben Pinkelman took over for Hughes as captain of the team and that is no surprise, as the former Colorado State All-American captained the USA at the Silicon Valley Sevens when Hughes was not on the squad.

“Pinky, as we all knew and expected, has stepped up to the role in Madison’s absence, just as he did at Silicon Valley in preseason," Friday said. "He is the type of leader who does so by example. We all know he is a smart rugby player, but his desire and work ethic to be the best he can be and deliver for his teammates is first class. 

"He sets his standards very high and just wants all others to try to do the same. He was worthy of his Sydney Dream Team recognition and he will once again lead knowing he has Folau to lean on tactically to assist, as well as Danny (Barrett).”

Seven stars made the Dream Team after an epic showing at the #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/ZgiksBhsMm

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 30, 2018

Fortunate Pool

The Eagles are in a very favorable pool in Hamilton this weekend, with Canada, Samoa, and Kenya in Pool D. 

The USA has an excellent shot at winning all three games and has shown it can win against top teams. But consistency late in a tournament is an elusive beat to catch.