In a thrilling gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, host nation France claimed their first-ever Olympic gold in Rugby Sevens, defeating the two-time defending champions Fiji with a commanding 28-7 victory. The match, held at the iconic Stade de France, saw an electrifying performance from French rugby star Antoine Dupont, who led his team to triumph with two decisive tries.
The contest started with a burst of energy from Fiji, who scored in the opening minute and a half. Selestino Ravutaumada’s powerful run down the field concluded with a well-timed offload to Joseva Talacolo, who touched down for the first try. The emotional moment for Talacolo, who was visibly moved during the national anthems, set the stage for a fierce battle.
France, however, quickly responded. Just before the end of the first half, the 67,000-strong crowd erupted as Andy Timo made a significant break down the field and passed to Jefferson-Lee Joseph, who leveled the score at seven. Despite Fiji’s attempts to regain the lead in stoppage time, French player Ryan Rebbadj made a crucial try-saving tackle, leaving both teams tied as they headed into the break.
The second half saw the much-anticipated introduction of Antoine Dupont, who wasted no time in making an impact. Dupont’s powerful run down the sideline culminated in a perfect pass to Aaron Grandidier, who scored, putting France ahead 14-7 with six minutes remaining. Dupont’s influence continued to be felt as he quickly capitalized on a penalty restart, tapping the ball and driving into the try zone, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
As the clock wound down, France’s dominance was undeniable. With time expiring, the French team executed a final maul, with Dupont securing possession to seal the historic victory. This momentous win not only marked France’s first gold medal in Rugby Sevens but also highlighted their incredible journey, having not qualified for the Tokyo Olympics just three years prior.
The atmosphere in Stade de France was electric, as fans celebrated a monumental achievement for French rugby. Antoine Dupont’s leadership and standout performance were pivotal in this triumph, earning him and his team a place in the annals of Olympic history.
