By Peter Murdock
Alongside some preliminary football and handball matches, some of rugby sevens’ biggest names have been competing for the chance to claim a spot on the podium as some of the games’ first medallists.
With the inclusion of rugby at the Olympics only returning to reality at the Rio 2016 games, followed by a coronavirus-imposed crowd-less 2020 tournament, fans undoubtedly have been expecting a fully-fledged spectacle in the shape of the best players on the planet competing for their countries.
As was the case at the two previous Olympics, the rosters of teams saw the additions of several high-profile players from the fifteen-man game.
Aside from the mercurial Antoine Dupont, who relinquished his place in France’s Six Nations squad, Australia were strengthened by the inclusion of Brumbies flyer Corey Toole and rugby league-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Elsewhere, Hugo Keenan appeared for Ireland, and Selestino Ravutaumada was added to a Fijian squad that grew in confidence the more the tournament progressed.
Pool matches began after lunch on the 24th at the Stade de France, with Australia, buoyed by their new squad additions, dispatching Samoa.
Later in the day the Aussies built on their performance by comfortably beating Kenya, the pick of the tries coming from the lightning-quick Toole.
The highly anticipated introduction of Antoine Dupont’s France was met with anti-climax as they were half to a 12-all draw by the USA, with particular credit to the heroic try-saving efforts of Orrin Bizer.
The French later squeaked through against Uruguay, although fans were treated to an arching Dupont run leading to a try under the posts before they truly hit form the following day.
Elsewhere on Day One, New Zealand and Fiji won all of their matches, with both teams showcasing some serious attacking firepower that will be sure to worry opposition defences during the final day of play.
New Zealand particularly showed real fighting spirit to come through against South Africa, who lost their other Day One match to a gutsy Irish display.
Day 2 opened with the remaining pool games that determined who would play in the quarter finals later that evening, as well placing the teams outside of the quarter final spots into their brackets prior to the final day of the tournament.
After their disappointing first two matches, France did not manage to find a win against Fiji, but a crucial late score confirmed their quarter final spot due to points difference within their pool.
Some fantastic rugby was on show as South Africa blitzed Japan 49-5, but perhaps the game of the pool stages was the last, between Ireland and New Zealand.
A fantastic try by Ireland powerhouse Zac Ward down the right-hand side helped the Irish to a 12-0 lead at half time.
However, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black’s last gasp try, and Andrew Knewstubb’s touchline conversion took the game beyond the Irish, with the Kiwis winning 14-12.
Following on from their electric victory, New Zealand opened the knockouts with a tension-filled match against their old rivals South Africa.
After a nervy start, Blitzbok talisman Selwyn Davids crossed, before further pressure saw them stretch to a 14-0 lead.
Kiwi dangerman Moses Leo’s try kickstarted a wave of All Black pressure that time after time was repelled by desperate South African defence for the remainder of the match. South Africa clung on for an unlikely 14-7 victory.
This was followed by a crackling game between France and Argentina. A double in the first half from Aaron Grandidier Nkanang proved crucial, as France then had their lead challenged whilst they had a man in the sin bin.
But the final play of the game was reserved for Dupont, who sped through a chink in the Argentinian defence to swallow dive into the corner, with the cameras flashing and the stadium on its feet. The hosts won 26-14.
Once again Ireland took part in a thriller, this time against double Olympic champions Fiji. A blend of physical power from Ireland’s ball carriers, again led by ZAC Ward, coupled by the management of Terry Kennedy saw Ireland up 15-5 with five minutes to go.
However, even as Fijian legend Jerry Tuwai left the field, his teammates suddenly seemed to recognise the situation, and consequently produce a length of the pitch effort to score.
Off the restart, Waisea Nacuqu managed to grab a loose ball and dot down under the posts. In the blink of an eye, Fiji pulled ahead, and marshalled a late Irish onslaught to secure a semi-final place.
Perhaps the nature of the preceding game meant that the final game was never going to match it for drama, although Australia produced a controlled display against an out-of-sorts USA side.
A fantastic try-saving tackle by Malacchi Esdale was not enough to stop the Aussies running away with the game 18-0.
All the teams will play on the final day, not only for medals but for their final rankings at the Olympics, but it is clear that all eyes will firmly be set on the two semi-finals: South Africa against France and Fiji against Australia.
With the Olympic Games officially open, it is time for Toole and Tuwai, for Davids and Dupont to bring home a gold medal to their countries.
READ MORE: Antoine Dupont inspires France to Olympic gold in Paris
