Fiji Dominants U.S. to Lead Pool C
In a stunning display of dominance at the 2024 Olympic Games. Fiji showcased why they are the reigning champions in rugby sevens. The island nation, which claimed the first two Olympic gold medals in the sport since its introduction at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, once again demonstrated their supremacy in the opening stages of the tournament in Paris.
Fiji’s campaign started with a commanding 40-12 victory over Uruguay, setting the tone for their subsequent match against Team USA. The Americans managed to take an early lead when Orrin Bizer scored a try, putting them ahead 5-0. However, Fiji quickly took control of the game, leveraging their superior speed, athleticism, and strength to dominate the rest of the match. They scored an impressive 38 unanswered points, ultimately defeating the U.S. 38-12. Despite a late try from Team USA’s Perry Baker, the match had already been decided in Fiji’s favor.
With these victories, Fiji earned six points, placing them at the top of Pool C after the first session. France follows closely with five points, while Team USA is in third place with three points. As the competition progresses, Team USA faces a crucial match against Uruguay. A win is essential for the Americans to have a chance at advancing to the next round. This pivotal match is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. ET.
Fiji’s early performance has once again solidified their reputation as the team to beat in rugby sevens, while Team USA will need to regroup and strategize effectively to keep their Olympic hopes alive.
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France vs United States Ends in a Thrilling 12-12 Tie
In a pulsating encounter At the 2024 Olympic Games, the United States men’s rugby sevens team faced off against host nation and heavy medal favorite France. The match, played ended in a dramatic 12-12 tie, showcasing the tenacity and skill of both teams.
France struck first, with Jordan Sepho scoring off a skip pass midway through the first half to give the hosts a 5-0 lead. However, the U.S. responded just before halftime. Off a line out, Lucas Lacamp deftly juked the French defense and sprinted to the try zone, putting the Americans ahead 7-5 as they headed into the break.
The second half saw France quickly reclaim the lead. A powerful stiff arm from Stephen Parez created an opportunity for Ryan Roberge, who scored on the outside, making it 12-7 in favor of France. Despite the setback, the American defense made a crucial play, with Orin Bizer knocking the ball out of Paulin Riva’s hands in the try zone, preventing a potential score.
With just two minutes remaining, the U.S. leveled the score. Marcus Tupuola capitalized on an offload from Perry Baker, scoring in the corner. However, the challenging conversion attempt was missed, leaving the score tied at 12-12 as time expired.
In extra time, following a scrum restart, the U.S. team opted for a tactical decision to kick the ball out of play, securing a draw and earning two points in their opening match. This result keeps the Americans in contention as they aim to advance further in the tournament, showcasing their resilience and strategic acumen against one of the top teams in the competition.
