Australia’s men’s sevens report card: Poor handling and lack of creativity see early exit from Rio Olympics

AUSTRALIA’S men’s sevens campaign ended how it started — in defeat. Would Quade Cooper have made a difference? Here’s our report card from their Rio Olympics tilt.

Australia is out of the Rio Olympics in the sevens.

AUSTRALIA’S men’s sevens campaign ended how it started — in defeat.

Poor handling, missed tackles and an inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities saw Australia crash out in the quarter-final stage, losing 22-5 to South Africa.

Australia’s exit at the hands of the Blitzbokke is no embarrassment — they’re the No 2 nation in the world — but the result highlighted some of the team’s flaws.

They lacked a world class speedster out wide, were too reliant on Lewis Holland — who failed to see out the tournament — and turned over too much ball at the breakdown.

Australia was made to pay for their first-up defeat to France.

HOW THEY GOT THERE

The Aussies opened their campaign against France, but were blown off the park in the opening half and never quite recovered, going down 31-14.

Australia kept their medal hopes alive with a hard-fought, but uninspiring 26-12 win over Spain.

With their campaign on the line, Australia delivered their best performance of the Games in the final pool match, starting day two by defeating South Africa 12-5.

The result was all the more impressive considering playmaker Holland was on the sidelines.

South Africa knocked Australia out of the Rio Olympics with a 22-5 win in the quarter-finals.

HOW AUSTRALIA CRASHED OUT

Australia’s poor points differential meant Ed Jenkins’ team would face South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Down 10-5 at halftime, Australia’s hopes of turning the match around went up in smoke when they squandered possession on South Africa’s goal-line after the kick restart.

There would be no point of return as South Africa scored another two tries off the back of Australian errors.

Cameron Clark was a constant threat for oppositions.

THE STAR — Cameron Clark

Every time he touched the ball, Clark looked like creating something.

The centre continually got on the outside of his opposition, but unfortunately more often than not Australia couldn’t capitalise on his half breaks.

Jesse Parahi scored three tries for Australia and was one of the side’s best performers.

THE ROCK — Jesse Parahi

After a brief stint in rugby league, Parahi returned to sevens earlier this year and the forward completed a successful return at the Games.

Parahi was Australia’s top try-scorer crossing the line on three occasions, but his defence which also stood out.

Australia will rue their poor handling throughout the Rio Olympics.

THE BOSS — Andy Friend

Losing Holland to injury halfway through their second pool match was a devastating blow for Australia, as coach Friend’s decision to have just one playmaker in his squad backfired.

Friend opted against selecting Wallaby Quade Cooper, but the enigmatic playmaker would have added options to Australia’s attack.

During Australia’s quarter-final, the team lacked direction and impetus in attack.

Ultimately though, Friend and the team will rue their poor ball handling.

Australian captain Ed Jenkins will continue to lead his nation forward.

THE FUTURE

Aussie skipper Ed Jenkins confirmed prior to the Games that he was staying put in the sevens program and his leadership will be important in guiding the team forward.

Already Pama Fou is off to Super Rugby and a number of other players are eyeing up a switch over the next 12 months.

Originally published as Australia’s men’s sevens report card: Poor handling and lack of creativity see early exit from Rio Olympics