Aussie’s semi-final horror show as Fiji roll on
Murray Wenzel |
Australia will play South Africa for bronze after a shambolic second half undid their bid for men’s Olympic rugby sevens history in Paris.
Australia led 7-0 against two-time defending champions Fiji in the shadows of halftime at Stade de France on Saturday but then barely held possession again in a 31-7 semi-final loss.
A 95m effort on halftime equalled proceedings before Fiji regathered all four kick restarts to pile on three more tries and a penalty goal.
Ben Dowling scored for Australia, grubbering ahead and calmly planting the ball to defy the obviously slippery conditions.
Dietrich Roache then nailed the sideline conversion but it all went downhill after that for John Manenti’s side.
It was an abrupt halt to a campaign that had been humming along, with Australia forced to reset quickly with a first Olympic medal still up for grabs in the playoff for bronze later on Saturday.
Fiji, who are now 17-0 in Games competition since the sport’s Rio 2016 introduction, will play hosts France in a blockbuster gold medal decider.
France and South Africa battled in a furious, scoreless first half before the floodgates finally opened.
South Africa scored first, shortly after the introduction of French star Antione Dupont off the bench to thunderous applause.
But the hosts scored the final three tries to win 19-5 and guarantee themselves a medal in what promises to be an electric finals night in front of 69,000 vocal admirers.
AAP
