The USA Men’s Team capped off a loud and intriguing Day One at the Rugby World Cup Sevens, playing the final game of the day before a not-quite-packed AT&T Park in San Francisco.

The result was a dominant display by a USA team that looks like a real contender. Perry Baker scored two tries and the Eagles rolled 35-0 over Wales.

The Round of 16 produced few surprises, but France secured one of them. After beating Jamaica in convincing fashion 50-0, Les Bleus shocked Australia by being more physical and then torching the Aussies on the outside. Tavite Veredmu scored at the end of the first half to tie the game, and at the end of the second half to win it 22-17. 

For the most part, however, the teams that had to play in the pre-Round of 16, despite getting an early hit-out, lost in the second round. Canada just got by Papua New Guinea only to be shut out by Argentina. Ireland edged Chile only to be thumped by South Africa. Japan beat Uruguay and then led Fiji 10-7 at halftime after a super seven minutes. But Fiji rebounded, stopped trying to be flashy all the time, and ended up winning big.

Kenya held off Tonga only to lose to Scotland in dramatic fashion - two yellow cards didn’t help the Lions and Scotland came back to win it 31-26.

Winners also were Russia, who then lost to New Zealand in a pretty impressive performance by the All Blacks 7s. 

For the USA, Wales threatened early, but some strong American defense led to a penalty, some early pressure, and Martin Iosefo cantering through the middle for the first try. After that, the Eagles kept trying to free up Perry Baker - much to the delight of the crowd. His first couple of touches didn’t yield much, but after Danny Barrett sucked in some defenders, it was all over and Baker broke a tackle and was gone.

In the second half, the Eagles held off Wales thanks to an excellent play by Baker on a kick-and-chase, and then, after some hard work from the likes of Ben Pinkelman, Baker got the ball with about 90 meters to go. He never made it out of third gear, as everyone was too tired to chase him. USA 21 Wales 0.

The star of the show for the Eagles, however, wasn’t Baker or Barrett … it was Folau Niua. His defense, his security over the ball, and his vision all made his teammates better, and he repeatedly made the smart, and unselfish, play.

Barrett got one after a long period of pressure, and Carlin Isles scored after hardly any pressure at all, and the USA was through 35-0.

The Eagles now face England in the quarterfinals Saturday afternoon. A win there and they are playing for a medal.