Nate Scott

USA TODAY Sports

RIO DE JANEIRO – Nate Ebner checked into his first Olympics rugby sevens match in the second half against Argentina on Tuesday in Deodoro Stadium, with a tall order. Team USA was trailing to Argentina 12-0, and the team needed a boost.

The fact that Ebner was there at all is a story in it of itself. A special teams standout for the Patriots, Ebner was only in Rio because Patriots coach Bill Belichick had given him permission to chase his dream and miss the first part of training camp.

That wasn’t the only support the Patriots gave – Belichick and several Patriots players were wearing Team USA Ebner shirts at camp on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Ebner did his best to provide a boost for the team, setting the tone with charging runs and hard hits. Ebner roamed the field wildly, attacking whenever given the chance. His recovery of a turnover in the second half led to a try for the United States, but it was ultimately all for naught – Argentina prevailed with a try as time expired to win, 17-14.

But he helped Team USA rebound later Tuesday by scoring a try in a 26-0 win over Brazil.

Bill Belichick and Patriots coaches wear Nate Ebner shirts in support of Olympic rugby star

Ebner’s tactical awareness may not have been the most refined – there were several times he looked out of place on the field– but he was fearless in attacking the Argentina players and covered a ton of ground. It was that rawness that most likely had Ebner start the game on the bench, despite the fact that he was arguably the most dynamic player on the American side.

“Nate’s a phenomenal athlete, and he’s got a rugby background growing up,” said team captain Madison Hughes after the match. “He adds a bit of depth to our team. He’s got pace, he’s got physicality, and he’s got a rugby brain.”

Carlin Isle, the former Olympic sprinter who is also a member of Team USA, did not make it onto the field in the first game.

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