Men’s Event
Rugby Sevens opened the Olympics, two days before the opening ceremony. Day one largely went as forecasted, aside from France not looking as impressive as expected. They could only draw with the United States, who missed a kick to win the game. They were down against Uruguay before a solo Dupont try got them victory. In the final group games Fiji were much too strong for France whilst Australia shocked Argentina, both results that wouldn’t have seemed likely, watching the sevens tour. In the quarter finals, a bigger shock was to come as South Africa defended commendably to beat New Zealand. France beat Argentina, helped by two tries in as many minutes. Fiji had to come from behind against Ireland but managed it in a thrilling game before Australia comfortably beat United States. In the semi finals, France were able to come from behind to beat South Africa. Meanwhile Fiji looked brilliant, playing some incredible rugby to beat Australia 31-7 and set up the rematch from the group stages. In the bronze medal match-up Australia soaked up the early South African pressure before scoring a try. The South Africans were able to turn it round and go 12-7 up as Australia had a man sent up. Despite going 19-7 down they pulled it back level only for South Africa to score the medal-winning try. Despite Fiji taking an early lead, France, led by an incredible assist and two tries from Antoine Dupont managed to take gold and become the first team to beat Fiji at an Olympics.
🥇France 🇫🇷
🥈Fiji 🇫🇯
🥉South Africa 🇿🇦
The results from the 2024 Sevens Series seemed to not correlate with performance here. Fiji were better, improved with some 15s players and possibly greater motivation. France didn’t overly impress until the final but Dupont being part of the squad was key. South Africa were in form given they won a qualification tournament.
Women’s Event
New Zealand were comfortable winners in Pool A, arguably the weakest of the groups. Australia dominated Pool B but Great Britain were able to upset Ireland. France took Pool C after beating United States. Australia and New Zealand made statements in the quarter final with big wins over Ireland and China respectively. Canada edged France in an upset whilst United States beat Great Britain. Canada would cause another big upset when beating Australia 21-12 for the right to play New Zealand in the final. In the third place play-off, Australia seems to be heading for a medal only for Alex Sedrick to score a 95m breakaway try which was converted as time expired to seal the win for United States. New Zealand would have to come from behind in the final, trailing 12-7 at half time before scoring 12 unanswered second half points to take gold.
🥇New Zealand 🇳🇿
🥈Canada 🇨🇦
🥉United States 🇺🇸
I thought New Zealand would be strongest and it turned out that way although they were arguably less impressive than I thought. Australia, on the other hand, were disappointing twice. I trusted France at home but thought United States were the third best team. They proved that. Canada were a massive surprise to me. Again a lot of the sevens series form was irrelevant here.
Kommentare