GAME-BY-GAME: Australia qualify for Paris Olympics

Sun, May 21, 2023, 1:50 PM
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The Aussie 7s are London 7s champions after taking out an epic final in London.

The Australian Sevens side have wrapped up their spot in the Olympics as the World Series concludes in London

John Manenti's side needed to finish fifth or higher to guarantee their spot at next year's Paris Games.

Catch all the action of the World Series LIVE on Kayo and BEIN Sports

The defending champions opened their campaign with two wins in the pool stages to book their place in the knock-outs, however, found themselves needing results to go their way when they went go down to Fiji.

A loss to France opened the door for Samoa to book their spot in the Olympics, only to fall to Argentina in the semi-finals.

It provided one last chance for Australia to book their spot, delivering a convincing win over Great Britain.

Follow a recap of all the action, game by game below:
Australia Men 33 v Spain Men 12

Australia has started London on a positive note with a 33-12 win over Spain.

Spain started strong and found themselves over for the first try of the game, answered instantly by James Turner to give the Aussies an early two-point lead.

Nathan Lawson broke the defence with a nice stop and go to extend the advantage, followed over by Tim Clements for a 21-5 lead.

Henry Paterson won the race to the kick to extend the advantage after the break, with Maurice Longbottom putting the game out of reach

Australia Men 14 v Samoa Men 24

Australia has gone down to Samoa 24-14 in London.

The Aussies once again started slow as the Samoans struck first.

This set the tone for the half as Samoa took a 19-0 lead into the break.

Henry Paterson gave the Aussies some hope late but they were outclassed in a crucial defeat for the hopes of automatic Olympic qualification.

Australia Men 26 v France Men 12

Australia has booked their spot in the London quarter-finals with a 26-12 victory over France.

James Turner got the Aussies off to a flying start, innately answered by the French.

Tim Clements showed his great game awareness to pick up a loose ball and dive over the line.

With both teams trading chances, Maurice Longbottom stood up and raced away from the tired defence with two quick tries to book Australia’s place in the quarter-finals

Australia Men 5 v Fiji Men 19

Australia has been knocked out of the London quarter-finals, going down 19-5 to Fiji

Fiji opened the scoring as Waisea Nacuqua bumped off defenders for the opener.

They extended the lead just before the break to take a 12-0 advantage into half-time.

Matt Gonzalez looked to start the comeback for the Aussies, however, a try three minutes before full-time sealed the win.

Australia Men 19 v France Men 22

Australia has gone down in heartbreaking fashion, losing 22-19 to France after the siren.

A great offload from Henry Paterson put captain Nick Malouf over the line.

Malouf got his second, only for France to level the scores on the half-time siren.

Nathan Lawson restored the lead after the break with a great run. A yellow card to Josh Turner allowed France to strike, however they missed the conversion for the Aussies.

With seconds remaining, the French came up with the turnover and scored the winner to break Australian hearts

Australia Men 34 v Great Britain 5

Australia have booked their place at the Paris Olympics with a 34-5 victory over Great Britain.

Maurice Longbottom got the Aussies off to a dream start as they sliced through the GB defence.

The Australians controlled the half and eventually Matt Gonzalez limped his way over the line for a 12-0 lead at the break.

Nathan Lawson extended the lead 30 seconds into the second half, completing his hat-trick just before the siren

It is enough to secure fifth place on the World Series and a spot at next year’s Games after Samoa were defeated by Argentina in the semi-finals

Australian Sevens Squad for London

4. Dietrich Roache

5. Tim Clements

6. Henry Paterson

7. Josh Turner

8. Dally Bird

9. Matt Gonzalez

10. Nick Malouf (c)

11. Maurice Longbottom

12. Nathan Lawson

14. James Turner

22. Trae Williams

24. Kye Oates

25. Hayden Sargeant

Ayden Ekanayake* (14th player)

Australian Sevens London Schedule

*All times AEST

Saturday, May 20

Australia Men 33 def Spain Men 12, 6:39 pm 

Australia Men 14 def by Samoa Men 24, 9:47 pm

Sunday, May 21

Australia Men 26 def France Men 12, 1:30 am

Australia Men 5 def by Fiji Men 19, 7:29 pm - QUARTER FINAL

Australia Men 19 def by France Men 22, 10:11 pm - 5TH PLACE SEMI-FINAL

Monday, May 22

Australia Men 34 def Great Britain Men 5, 12:30 am - 7TH PLACE PLAYOFF

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