DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States beat New Zealand for the first time in the World Rugby Sevens series, winning 14-12 Friday to reach the quarterfinals in Dubai on points difference.
New Zealand came from 5-0 down early to lead 12-7 just after halftime and looked set to hold out the Americans, who had to win to jump over France and finish second to the Kiwis in Pool C.
Perry Baker scored the opening try and missed a second in the second half when he couldn’t hold on to the ball after scooping it up near the tryline.