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Men’s Rugby Sevens takes centre stage at Olympics as Dupont’s dream takes shape

VaselineJuly 26, 2024

0 4 minutes read

Men’s Rugby Sevens takes centre stage at Olympics as Dupont’s dream takes shape

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 25: Antoine Dupont of France in action during the final try of the Rugby Sevens match between France and Argentina during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France on July 25, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

By Peter Murdock

In addition to a number of preliminary rounds in football and handball, some of the biggest names from the rugby sevens season competed for a place on the podium as one of the first medal winners of the Games.

With rugby only officially becoming part of the Olympic Games in Rio 2016, and the 2020 tournament being held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus, fans were undoubtedly expecting a spectacle of the world’s best players competing for their country.

As at the previous two Olympics, several well-known players from the 15-man game were added to the team selections. In addition to the erratic Antoine Dupont, who gave up his place in the French Six Nations team, Australia were bolstered by the additions of Brumbies pilot Corey Toole and rugby league stalwart Mark Nawaqanitawase. Elsewhere, Hugo Keenan made an appearance for Ireland and Selestino Ravutaumada was added to a Fijian squad that grew increasingly confident as the tournament progressed.

The group matches started after lunch on the 24th^e at the Stade de France, with Australia, buoyed by their new squad, beating Samoa. Later in the day the Aussies built on their performance by beating Kenya comfortably, the best tries coming from the lightning-quick Toole.

The long-awaited introduction of Antoine Dupont’s France was met with anticlimax as they were held to a 12-12 draw by the USA at half-time, thanks in large part to the heroic try-saving efforts of Orrin Bizer. The French later scraped through against Uruguay, although fans were treated to a magnificent Dupont run that led to a try under the posts before they really hit their stride the following day.

Elsewhere on day one, New Zealand and Fiji won all their matches, with both teams showing some serious attacking firepower that will surely worry their opponents’ defences on the final day. New Zealand in particular showed real fighting spirit when they went through against South Africa, who lost their other match on day one to a courageous Irish display.

Day 2 began with the remaining group matches, which determined who would play in the quarterfinals later that evening. Also, the teams outside the quarterfinals were placed in their groups prior to the final day of the tournament.

After their disappointing first two games, France failed to beat Fiji, but a decisive goal in the closing stages saw them progress to the quarter-finals thanks to the difference in points within their group.

There was some great rugby on display as South Africa beat Japan 49-5, but perhaps the last match of the pool stage was between Ireland and New Zealand. A fantastic try from Irish powerhouse Zac Ward down the right helped the Irish take a 12-0 lead at half-time. However, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black’s last-gasp try and Andrew Knewstubb’s touchline conversion ensured the match went beyond the Irish, with the Kiwis winning 14-12.

Following their electric victory, New Zealand opened the knockouts with a thrilling match against old rivals South Africa. After a nerve-wracking start, Blitzbok star Selwyn Davids scored before further pressure saw them take a 14-0 lead. Kiwi dangerman Moses Leo’s try sparked a wave of All Black pressure that was repelled time and again by desperate South African defence for the remainder of the match. South Africa clung on to an improbable 14-7 victory.

This was followed by a cracking match between France and Argentina. A first-half double from Aaron Grandidier Nkanang proved crucial as France subsequently questioned their lead while having a man in the sin bin. But the final act of the match fell to Dupont, who burst through a gap in the Argentine defence to dive into the corner with the cameras on and the stadium at his feet. The hosts won 26-14.

Ireland played another thrilling match, this time against two-time Olympic champions Fiji. A mix of physicality from the Irish ball carriers, led again by ZAC Ward, coupled with the management of Terry Kennedy, saw Ireland lead 15-5 with five minutes remaining. But even as Fiji legend Jerry Tuwai left the field, his teammates suddenly seemed to recognise the situation and produced a long field effort to score. After the restart, Waisea Nacuqu latched onto a loose ball and slotted home under the posts. In the blink of an eye, Fiji took the lead and led a late Irish attack to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Perhaps the nature of the previous match meant that the final match would not match it in terms of drama, although Australia put in a controlled display against an out-of-form USA side. A fantastic try-saving tackle from Malacchi Esdale was not enough to prevent the Aussies from running away with an 18-0 score.

All teams will be playing on the final day not only for medals but also for their final ranking at the Olympic Games. However, it is clear that all eyes will be on the two semi-finals: South Africa versus France and Fiji versus Australia.

Now that the Olympics are officially open, it’s time for Toole and Tuwai, and Davids and Dupont, to bring home a gold medal for their countries.

VaselineJuly 26, 2024

0 4 minutes read

Vaseline

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