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'Just taking care of the old man body': USA 7s star Perry Baker not done yet
By Finn Morton
Speedster Perry Baker is one of the greatest players to have ever donned the red, white and blue of the USA on the rugby sevens field – and he’s far from done.
Playing on the treasured turf at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday evening, Baker stole the show with a second half double in a crucial pool clash against reigning World Series champions Australia.
It was one of Baker’s best performances on the World Series circuit for quite some time, as he led the led the Eagles to a stunning 24-5 upset win.
The upset also secured the Eagles’ place in the men’s quarter-finals, while Australia were left to rue what could’ve been after placing third in the pool.
Baker has been around for a number of years, so it wasn’t exactly a coming of age performance for the sevens veteran – but it was potentially the dawn of a new era for the American.
The electrifying speedster, who is former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, will hold the key for the USA in Singapore next weekend – should he play.
Baker didn’t play in the Eagles’ fifth place semi-final against South Africa on Sunday, and later told RugbyPass that he was “taking care of the old man body.”
While the 36-year-old is battling through a shoulder injury, Baker insists he’ll be ready to play in Singapore next weekend.
“Just taking care of the old man body. Just a little bit banged up so just trying to get everything situated for next week,” Baker told RugbyPass.
“Just been having some shoulder issues and things like that so I’m just trying to get inflammation to calm down so I can be ready for next week.
“I’ll be back next week. It’s been there, just a neck issue.”
This season hasn’t quite gone to plan for the United States.
Coach Mike Friday and his team have only medalled twice this season, and they were both third-place finishes.
Coming into rugby seven’s biggest World Series event this weekend, the Eagles would’ve been eager to turn their fortunes around at Hong Kong Stadium.
But again, their season hasn’t quite gone to plan.
In their opening match on Friday, the USA were beaten 7-nil in a hard-fought contest with surprise package Spain.
After bouncing back with a big win over Japan, Baker and the Eagles put on a show against Australia to secure a quarter-finals berth.
But that’s as good as it got.
Great Britain beat the Eagles by 11-points in their quarter-final on Sunday, and the USA lost again shortly after to South Africa.
“It’s very disappointing. We wanted a ticket to the dance and we got it, and we came up short in the quarterfinals,” he added.
“It’s all in our control. We wanted to put on a performance that we were proud of.
“I can’t criticize the effort that the boys made, it’s just certain things didn’t quite go our way, and how can we just get back on track?
“That was a big game right there in the quarterfinals… we just came up short.
“It’s about being consistent and winning those moments when we have the momentum going our way.”
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How does the size of the ‘bloke being hit’ factor into this? If you’re on the opposing team you are fair game. Is Finau the first person in history to target the first five? It seems like this is a great strategy to interrupt your opponents attack. As far as I’m aware, of the four excellent hits on Aussie first fives this year only one of them was ruled late. So if crying about legal tackles isn’t whingeing, then what is it?
Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
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