‘Oh no’: American loudmouth Pat McAfee mocks Aussie Rugby Sevens heartbreak
American TV host Pat McAfee couldn’t help himself when Australia’s Rugby Sevens stars were left in tears after a last-second dagger.
Olympics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Olympics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former NFL player turned sports personality Pat McAfee has mocked Australia’s devastation after the world champions fell 14-12 to the US in the Olympic Rugby Sevens’ bronze medal match.
Australia were the favourites to win gold in the event but a loss to Canada relegated the side to the playoff for third against the Americans.
While Australia didn’t blow the Americans off the park, a try with just over a minute left to Maddison Levi gave the Aussies a 12-7 lead. But a missed conversion from out wide left the door open.
The kick left 30 seconds on the clock for the Americans to claim the win, and they had to go the length of the field after Australia kicked deep off the restart.
Held deep in their own area, it looked like the clock might run out on the US, but Alex Sedrick pulled off one of the great plays, breaking the line and racing away to score under the posts.
It sent her teammates into wild celebrations — and Australia into utter devastation.
Former Indianapolis Colts kicker McAfee has now stuck the boot in.
One of his co-hosts explained: “Basically we were on our 5-yard line in our own territory with 7 seconds left and we got the ball and we break a tackle and go 95 yards for a touchdown tie the game kick the field goal win it.”
“What?” McAfee said.
“It was absolutely wild,” another co-host added.
Another co-host said “The Aussies were the favourites to win the gold at the start of this thing.”
“So Australia goes home with no medals?” McAfee asked before telling the other co-hosts to keep their composure and show “class”, probably trying not to completely roast the Aussies.
They then watched the replay with McAfee giving his commentary.
“Australia celebrating ‘we just beat the dumb Americans, we’re going home with a bronze …’,” he said when Sedrick broke the tackle to run the length of the field and score under the posts.
“Nuh uh, nuh uh. All you need to do is to break one. And she’s … gone. Touchdown America.”
As images showed the immediate devastation of the Aussie players, McAfee mocked them.
“Oh no, heartbreak Australia,” he said.
“Heartbreak Australia, pure jubilation in America.
“We did it. We won third place — let’s go.
“Put that on a Wheaties (box), her run.”
It was an absolute heartbreaker for the Aussies with so much expected from the world champion team.
“They’re devastated. they’ve put a lot into it, everyone has. We came into this tournament to walk away without regret and every single one has done that,” Australia Women’s coach Tim Walsh said.
“They’re going to be disappointed, but I’m proud of them.”
While the Americans claimed their first medal in the Rugby Sevens at the Olympics, Australia has been getting their own back in the pool.
The US are currently ranked seventh on the medal tally with five gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze — although if you ask them, they’re leading the tally with 30 medals heading into Day 6 of the Paris Games.
Originally published as ‘Oh no’: American loudmouth Pat McAfee mocks Aussie Rugby Sevens heartbreak
New coaches to lead rowing into future after Paris disaster
Rowing Australia has installed new men’s and women’s head coaches to lead its program to the LA and Brisbane Games after its worst Olympic return in more than 30 years.
Healy takes Olympic legend to task over commentary slight
Swimming legend Ian Thorpe has found himself in the crosshair’s of Australian cricket great Alyssa Healy – who has taken umbrage at a piece of commentary from the Paris Olympics.