Australia will face off against South Africa in the Rugby 7s bronze medal match after falling to a rampant Fiji, as the islanders put themselves in position to claim back-to-back-to-back gold medals.
After an even first half in the semifinal against Fiji in which they even took a seven-point lead, Australia’s opponents dominated, scoring three tries to zero in the second to seal their fate.
Fiji will aim to make it a third-straight gold medal against host nation France, who won the other semifinal 19-5 against South Africa.
In a highly physical first half, neither Australia nor Fiji were able to convert their passages of play into scores.
However, just before halftime, Ben Dowling was able to score a try after Australia kicked the ball off the ground to their advantage.
Fiji were not to be deterred, with Iowane Teba scoring at the other end to level the scores prior to half-time.
After the break, Fiji was relentless as they pushed for the gold medal match.
They put the foot on the throat, and proved too strong for Australia, taking the 31-7 win.
However, Australia are still in contention to take home a medal, with bronze up for grabs against South Africa.
Australia will enter the bronze medal match on Sunday morning WST as favourites, after they finished fourth in the 2023-24 World Rugby Sevens Series, three spots above South Africa.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/olympics/paris-olympics-2024-australia-eyeing-bronze-after-semi-final-defeat-to-fiji-c-15499744
