AUSTRALIAN MEN FINISH SEVENTH AT 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

Jul 28 • Australia, General News, National, Sevens Rugby • 1116 Views • Comments Off on AUSTRALIAN MEN FINISH SEVENTH AT 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

The Australian Men’s Sevens team has finished in seventh position after a resounding win over Canada in their final match of the 2020 Games.

Australia 19 defeated by South Africa 22

Australia got off to a troubled start in their opening match on day three of the Games as South Africa denied the Australians any opportunity for the ball.

An onslaught of attack from the South Africa saw Australia trail 17-0 at the break however a rousing second half performance saw Tim Walsh’s side back in the fight.

Tries to Lachie Miller and Josh Turner brought Australia back into the game, as they reduced it to a three-point margin but South Africa would strike again at the hands of JC Pretorius. Maurice Longbottom returned serve to take the score to 19-22 with a minute on the clock however the restart saw South Africa regain the ball before quickly finding the sideline to ensure the win.

Australia 26 defeated Canada 7

Olympic debutant Nathan Lawson opened the scoring early for the Australians in what was an impressive display of attacking Rugby.

Canada struck back quickly through Connor Braid however Lachlan Anderson broke the Canadian defence to ensure an Australian lead at the break.

Australia captain Nick Malouf was next to cross following a tactical kick through the Canadian defence before Lachie Miller crossed the chalk to give Australia an unassailable lead.

As Australia switched to defence, Dylan Pietsch was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle, however Australia held strong to ensure Canada didn’t cross for the remainder of the match.

Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “We came to Tokyo with ambitions to perform at our very best as individuals and as a team. We fell short despite our absolute best efforts.

“It has been a challenge and a privilege to work with Rugby Australia to qualify and prepare the team for the Tokyo Olympics.

“The growth, experience and overcoming of the obstacles we faced will undoubtably prepare us better for future events”

“I’d like to thank the people of Japan, the AOC and the IOC for allowing us to play in what I suspect is some of the most challenging conditions the games have faced.

“On a special note, I’d also like to congratulate Samu Kerevi on his Australian Sevens debut, while also congratulating Nathan Lawson and Dietrich Roache on making their international debuts for Australia.”