By Peter Murdoch
In addition to the qualifying football and handball matches, Rugby Sevens stars are competing for a chance to become the tournament’s first medallists.
It wasn’t until the 2016 Rio Olympics that rugby was reinstated as an Olympic sport, and in 2020, the tournament was held without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fans were undoubtedly looking forward to a full-scale spectacle of some of the best players on the planet competing for their countries.
As with the previous two Olympics, the team has added some big names to its 15-a-side squad. Aside from the erratic Antoine Dupont, who has lost his place in France’s Six Nations squad, Australia have been bolstered by the inclusion of Brumbies flyer Corey Toole and rugby league-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase. Elsewhere, Hugo Keenan has represented Ireland and Selestino Ravutaumada has been added to a Fiji squad that has grown in confidence as the tournament progresses.
After lunch on the 24th, the full match began.Day At the Stade de France, Australia were bolstered by a new squad that saw them beat Samoa. Later that day, Australia built on their performance with a comfortable win over Kenya, a match that saw lightning-quick try-stoppers on display.
The much-anticipated introduction of Antoine Dupont to France ended in a 12-12 draw with the United States, with Orrin Bizer’s heroic try-saving effort particularly praised. France later narrowly won against Uruguay, but fans were treated to Dupont’s arching run under the bar to a try before they found their true form the following day.
Elsewhere on day one, New Zealand and Fiji won all their games, with both teams showing serious attacking firepower that will certainly unsettle opposition defences on the final day. New Zealand showed real fighting spirit, especially against South Africa, who had been beaten by a brave display from Ireland in the other first day match.
Day 2 began with the remaining group matches to determine which teams would advance to the quarterfinals that evening, with the teams that did not advance to the quarterfinals being drawn into the bracket before the final day of the tournament.
France failed to win against Fiji after disappointing performances in their first two games, but a late goal sealed their place in the last eight by increasing their group gap.
There was some fantastic rugby as South Africa crushed Japan 49-5, but perhaps the last game between Ireland and New Zealand in the group stage was the last. Ireland’s Zac Ward scored a superb try from the right to give Ireland a 12-0 lead at half-time. But Ngarohi McGarvey-Black’s last-minute try and Andrew Knewstubb’s touchline conversion put the game in Ireland’s hands, with the Kiwis winning 14-12.
New Zealand began their knockout campaign with a tense encounter against long-time rivals South Africa following their electric win. After a shaky start, Blitzbok star Selwyn Davids crossed and the pressure mounted to make it 14-0. Kiwi dangerman Moses Leo’s try kicked off the All Blacks’ pressure, but the desperate South African defence kept them at bay until the end. South Africa went on to win an unexpected 14-7 victory.
Then came a fierce battle between France and Argentina. Aaron Grandidier Nkanang scored twice in the first half, and France were challenged for the lead while one of their men was sent off. But the final play of the game was left to Dupont, who dived into the corner through a gap in the Argentine defense, and the cameras flashed and the stadium stood up. The home team won 26-14.
Ireland were involved in another thriller, this time against two-time Olympic champions Fiji. The physicality of Ireland’s ball carriers, led again by ZAC Ward, and the management of Terry Kennedy combined to give Ireland a 15-5 lead with five minutes remaining. But even when Fijian legend Jerry Tuwai left the pitch, his teammates suddenly seemed to have caught wind of what was happening and consequently threw the ball down the pitch to score. After the restart, Waisea Nacuqu latched onto the loose ball and fired a shot under the bar. In the blink of an eye, Fiji were ahead and a last-ditch effort from Ireland secured their place in the semi-finals.
Perhaps due to the nature of the previous games, the final game could never match the drama, but Australia played a controlled game against a poorly-conditioned USA team. Even a fantastic try-saving tackle from Malacchi Esdale wasn’t enough to stop Australia from finishing the game 18-0.
All teams will compete on the final day for medals and final Olympic rankings, but all eyes will be on the two semi-finals: South Africa vs. France and Fiji vs. Australia.
With the Olympics officially underway, it was time for Tull, Tuwai, Davis and Dupont to bring home some gold.
