Rugby Sevens Paris OIympic Games 2024: Men's Competition Day ...
The Rugby Sevens is set to kick off the Olympics as the action gets underway at the Stade de France.
Australia started their campaign with a 21-14 win over Samoa, with Henry Hutchison getting a double
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.
John Manenti's side will follow this with a clash against Kenya (3:00 am) as they hunt for a perfect start to their day.
In other clashes on day one, Ireland takes on qualifiers South Africa whilst two-time champions Fiji will face the USA.
Follow a recap of all the action game by game:
3:00 am - Australia 14 - 7 Kenya
6': AUSTRALIA TRY: A great grubber through by Roache allows Nathan Lawson to stroll over for the easiest of tries Australia 14-7
3': KENYA TRY: Antony Mboya is rewarded for winning the chase to the ball, taking the quick tap and diving over 7-all
1': AUSTRALIA TRY: Dietrich Roache sets James Turner up for an early try for the perfect start Australia 7-0
2:30 am - Turner starts for Australia v Kenya
Just one change to the starting side for Australia as James Turner comes in for Corey Toole.
Toole reverts back to the bench after a successful return to the Sevens program
Starting 7: Hutchison, Dowling, Roache, James Turner, Malouf, Longbottom, Lawson
Reserves: Toole, Sargeant, Paterson, Nawaqanitawase, Gonzalez
2:20 am - New Zealand 40 v Japan 12
Akuila Rokolisoa started the Kiwis perfectly with a try in the first 30 seconds, with Japan hitting straight back.
Fehi Fineanganofo's double gave the New Zealanders a 26-7 lead right at the break
Rokolisoa finished with a double and 18 points as they deliver a commanding win
1:50 am - Ireland 10 v South Africa 5
Ireland dominated the first half but had to wait until the half-time whistle for their first through Jordan Conroy.
They extended their lead as Terry Kennedy capitalised on a Blitzboks yellow card to score down the sideline
South Africa hit back late but it was the Irish that hung on for the win
1:20 am - Fiji 40 v Uruguay 12
Defending champions Fiji have started fast for a 40-12 win over Uruguay
Fiji started their defence fast with the opening try inside the first 90 seconds and shrugged off a Uruguay response for a 19-7 lead at the break
Joji Nasova crossed for a double whilst Fijian Drua stars Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada were impressive throughout
12:50 am - France 12 v USA 12
At the start of the blog, I told you not to sleep on this game and it delivered a classic 12-all draw
Points early for the hosts as Jordan Sepho touches down but it's America with the lead as Lucas Lacamp put the USA in front at the break.
France instantly restored the lead to start the second half but the USA level the scores against the run of play for the first big surprise of the event.
12:20 am - Argentina 31 v Kenya 12
Huge boos for Argentina as they run out to a packed Stade de France, with Kenya using the energy to score first and take a 7-5 lead at the break
But Argentina are one of the favourites for a reason as they strolled away in the second half.
Agustin Fraga scored a double as Marcos Moneta capped his return with a try for a comfortable 31-12 win
11:50 pm - Australia 21 v Samoa 14
Australia have started their campaign with victory, taking down Samoa 21-14.
Samoa caught the Aussies napping early with an intercept try before Henry Hutchison kicked Australia to the win.
He scored twice at the end of either half to ensure a perfect start despite a late Samoa try
14': Samoa strike after the bell via Faafoi Falaniko for what could be a crucial try for their campaign Australia 21-14
13': AUSTRALIA TRY: The Henrys combine as Paterson finds Hutchison for the game sealer Australia 21-7
11': AUSTRALIA TRY: Nathan Lawson steams down the sidelines as the Aussies hit the front Australia 14-7
10': An excellent tackle from Ben Dowling stops Samoa and earns Australia the penalty
7': AUSTRALIA TRY: Henry Hutchison strikes back as they take advantage of a Samoan error 7-all
5': Australia trying to overcome a nervous start as they can't find a way through Samoa
2': SAMOA TRY: Motu Opetai snatches an intercept and races 60 metres to score under the posts Samoa 7-0
11:00 pm - Australia confirm starting side v Samoa
John Manenti has locked in his starting side to face Samoa, with flyer Corey Toole thrown straight into the action.
Toole is joined in the backs by Ben Dowling, Dietrich Roache and Maurice Longbottom.
Nick Malouf captains the side in the forward trio with vice captain Henry Hutchison and Nathan Lawson completing the run-on side.
Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase, Henry Paterson, Matt Gonzalez, Hayden Sargeant and James Turner provide impact off the bench
10:30 pm - A jersey presentation to remember
Before they kickoff, check out Australia's official jersey presentation before they commence their Olympic campaign at the Australian embassy.
The embassy has one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, just metres away as players got to soak up the moment with friends and family.
Side note: The jerseys with the Indigenous design on the sleeves are one of the best out there.
10:00 pm - Fixtures
For those either just waking up or staying up, here is your slate of fixtures for the first day of Rugby Sevens.
Wednesday July 24
Pool B: Australia v Samoa, 11:30 pm
Thursday July 25
Pool B: Argentina v Kenya, 12:00 am
Pool C: France v USA, 12:30 am
Pool C: Fiji v Uruguay, 1:00 am
Pool A: Ireland v South Africa, 1:30 am
Pool A: New Zealand v Japan, 2:00 am
Pool B: Australia v Kenya, 3:00 am
Pool B: Argentina v Samoa, 3:30 am
Pool C: France v Uruguay, 4:00 am
Pool C: Fiji v USA, 4:30 am
Pool A: Ireland v Japan, 5:00 am
Pool A: New Zealand v South Africa, 5:30 am
9:00 pm - Welcome
Hello and welcome to Rugby.com.au's Live Blog for the opening day of Olympic action for the Rugby Sevens.
The Aussie men will be the first of the 460-strong green and gold contingency that will compete in the 2024 Olympics in just over two hours.
There are some great match-ups in the opening slate of games at the Stade de France.
Ireland-South Africa is a great match almost nine months on from their World Cup thriller in the 15s but don't sleep on USA-France as the hosts get their tournament underway against the team that beat them in Singapore.
Get the coffee/Red Bull ready as the Olympics get underway two days before the opening ceremony.
WHEN DO AUSTRALIA PLAY IN THE RUGBY SEVENS OLYMPIC GAMES?
The Men's Sevens side will take the field in their opening Olympic game against Samoa on July 24 (11:30 pm) at Stade de France.
This will be followed by a clash with Kenya (3:00 am) before taking on Argentina (July 25, 10:30 pm)
As for the Women, they open their campaign against South Africa on July 29 (midnight).
They face Great Britain (3:30 am) and Ireland (10:30 pm) to finish their pool stages.
WHAT CHANNEL IS AUSTRALIA'S RUGBY SEVENS OLYMPIC GAMES ON?
Australia's Rugby Sevens campaign will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.
Every Rugby Sevens match from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand in 4K on Stan Sport.
Along with this, the Nine Network will have two dedicated free-to-air channels that will show several Olympic sports, including the Rugby Sevens, along with on 9Now
HOW TO WATCH THE PARIS OLYMPICS RUGBY SEVENS?
The Nine Network and Stan Sport has exclusive rights to broadcast every event of the Paris Olympics in Australia.
Every Rugby Sevens match from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand in 4K on Stan Sport.
Along with this, the Nine Network will have two dedicated free-to-air channels that will show several Olympic sports, including the Rugby Sevens, along with on 9Now.
