Gutsy Australia happy to get rid of Olympic 'jitters' after positive opening day

Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 5:37 PM
AW
by AAP and Nathan Williamson
Australia are into the quarter-finals at the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images
Australia are into the quarter-finals at the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images

Australia's Men's Sevens are happy to get past a nervous opening day in Paris to book their place in the Olympic quarter-finals at Stade de France.

Their opening day presented two dangerous games in Samoa and Kenya, who possess the bigger frames that have troubled John Manenti's side in the past.

Watch every Rugby Sevens match from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ad-free, live and on demand in 4K on Stan Sport and live on Nine and 9Now.

They found themselves level in both matches towards half-time before the quality of the Australians took over to come away with the wins.

Dietrich Roache was the main destroyer against Kenya with two try assists, a full circle moment as he owned a costly intercept in the opening minutes of their clash with Samoa.

"You saw the crowd; crazy, amazing atmosphere and we probably started the game just a bit too excited," Roache said.

"We had a bit of the jitters out there but the boys got back into the game.

"It (the intercept pass) was all my fault; I didn't look up and went to throw it to little Mozza (Maurice Longbottom) and looped it a bit too much.

"Not the way I wanted to start, but glad the boys stayed in there for me."

Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase was only deployed in the final minutes and had limited involvement in both games.

However, his smile was evident as he soaked in the action almost nine months on from featuring at the same ground at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

"I wasn't on there long but to feel the crowd, it was second to none," the Sydney Roosters-bound winger said.

"The start was a bit nerve-wracking (on the sideline) ... my time will come but I'll do whatever's needed."

The top two sides in each group and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarter-finals on Thursday night, with the medals decided on Saturday.

The victory over Kenya secured Australia a top-two spot after Argentina swept through their two matches.

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