Olympics 2024: Australia takes huge step towards historic men’s sevens medal

In a polar opposite result to the Matildas’ opening loss to Germany, the Australian men’s rugby sevens team have booked a place in the semi-finals even before the opening ceremony has commenced in Paris.

Australian players celebrate winning their men's quarter-final clash against USA. Picture: AFP

Two-time champion Fiji stands between Australia and a shot at an historic gold medal after the men’s sevens team helped brighten the mood for the nation on a bittersweet day for the country’s Olympic campaign.

The men swept past the United States in second gear in their quarterfinal on Friday morning (AEDT), maintaining their unblemished record in the competition and setting up a meeting with the all-conquering Fijians, winners in Rio and Tokyo.

The Australians closed out their victory at Stade Francis less than an hour after the nation endured the devastation of watching the Matildas slump to a shock 3-0 loss to Germany, leaving their campaign on life support.

Much different picture for the Matildas as opposed to the Rugby Sevens. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The men’s sevens team did their best to pick up the pieces as they cruised into the semi-finals, where Fiji lies in wait. If they can find a way past the Fijians, their chances of securing a historic gold medal will skyrocket given New Zealand has already been eliminated from the competition.

NZ suffered a shock loss at the hands of South Africa and for a long time it looked like Fiji would suffer a similar fate against Ireland.

However, a controversial late try proved the difference, leaving Australia needing to beat the world’s best to qualify for the final.

It would be a remarkable feat given the men were considered outside chances for a medal before the Olympics began.

Yet there has been a quiet confidence about their campaign with coach John Manenti urging them to emerge from the shadow of the women’s team and grab their own slice of history.

A quiet confidence has so far delivered for the Australian men’s rugby sevens team. Picture: Carl De Souza/ AFP

The women’s team have been perennial contenders and won gold in Rio eight years ago, while the men are yet to finish on the podium at the Olympics.

That may be about to change. They were rarely troubled on their way to the semi-final, scoring early in the first half through James Turner and then on the stroke of halftime when Corey Toole danced with the touchline before sneaking over.

They are now 14 minutes away from the final. On the other side of the draw, France will meet South Africa to decide the other finalists after the home nation won a spicy quarter-final over bitter rivals Argentina 26-14.

Australia's Corey Toole scores a try during the men's quarterfinal against USA. Picture: Carl De Souza / AFP

The French were reduced to six men for a large chunk of the second half following an ill-timed yellow card to Jordan Sepho, but they managed to prevail to the delight of a raucous full house.

The noise inside the stadium was deafening as French star Antione Dupont raced away in the dying seconds to seal the win and book a berth in the semi-finals, where they will meet a South African side that scored a shock win over rugby union powerhouse New Zealand.

The All Blacks were knocked out of the medal race in a huge upset after they were beaten 14–7 by the slick South Africans.

Captain Nick Malouf was happy with the Australian performance against a highly dangerous side.

“I think we have a lot of strike power in the side and we didn’t want to keep it in the chamber,’’ he said post match.

“It was just about leaving everything out there with a good mix of attacking strike and some pretty good defence against some big units.

“It was a pleasing performance.’’

John Manenti revealed after the win that he had inspired his team by telling them about Australia II’s extraordinary win in the 1983 America’s Cup over the US.

And that it had worked.

Originally published as Olympics 2024: Australia takes huge step towards historic men’s sevens medal