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1 month ago
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Australia's men's rugby sevens team have survived some early nerves to beat Samoa 21-14 as Olympic action got underway in Paris.
Disaster loomed in what was essentially a must-win game to open the competition at Stade de France on Wednesday, after a long Dietrich Roache pass was intercepted to give Samoa an early lead.
John Manenti's side, seeking to go beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in the sport's third Games appearance, had the fumbles in a clunky first half.
Henry Hutchison skipped through a tackle on halftime to level things at 7-7 before two pinpoint passes put Nathan Lawson away for the go-ahead try early in the second half.
More good defence held off the Samoans before Hutchison's second try sealed the result, a late Samoa five-pointer on the bell only a consolation.
NRL-bound former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase was only deployed in the final minutes and had limited involvement.
The Australians, who are among the many medal chances, beat Kenya 21-7 in their second match of the day, before meeting world champions Argentina in their final pool game on Thursday.
Back in the squad after a season with the ACT Brumbies, Corey Toole iced the win over Kenya with a flying run down the right wing.
Australia have got their Olympics campaign off to a good start with a win over Samoa in the rugby sevens (pictured)
They then backed up to defeat danger side Kenya (pictured, Aussie star Dietrich Roache runs the ball during the victory)
The men's team were the first Australians to compete at the 2024 Games in Paris
They had earlier defended stoutly for three minutes after a dubious penalty against them from the second-half restart.
'I'm frustrated with the referee but pleased with our blokes we got a good start [against Kenya with an early try], had done our homework but then had to defend,' coach John Manenti said.
The top two sides and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarter-finals on Thursday night, with the medals decided on Saturday.
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