Australia makes dream start to Olympics as men’s rugby sevens team beats Samoa in Paris

The Australian men’s rugby sevens team survived the nerves of the first day to beat Samoa 21-14 as the Olympic Games kicked off in Paris.

Disaster loomed in what was essentially a must-win match to open the competition at the Stade de France on Wednesday after a long pass from Dietrich Roache was intercepted to give Samoa an early lead.

John Manenti’s team, which was aiming to advance beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in the third edition of the sport, made many mistakes in the difficult first half.

Henry Hutchison made a tackle at half-time to level the score at 7-7, before Nathan Lawson scored the decisive try with two pinpoint passes early in the second half.

Good defence kept the Samoans at bay until Hutchison’s second try decided the outcome. A late five-pointer from Samoa at the last minute was only a consolation.

Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase, who moved to the NRL, was only used in the final minutes and had limited involvement.

The Australians, who are among the many medal contenders, defeated Kenya 21-7 in their second match of the day, before playing world champions Argentina in their final group match on Thursday.

Corey Toole, back in the squad after a season with the ACT Brumbies, sealed the win over Kenya with a flying run down the right wing.

They had defended bravely for three minutes earlier in the match after a dubious penalty was awarded against them at the restart of the second half.

The top two teams and the top two teams in third place will advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday night, with medals decided on Saturday.

Australia made a good start to the Olympic Games with a victory in rugby sevens

The men’s team became the first Australian to compete at the 2024 Games in Paris