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Olympics Sevens: Top Guns Cruise Through on Day One

The Olympic Women’s Rugby Sevens Competition kicked off in style, at the picturesque Deodoro Stadium. All three of the Pools opened the tournament, as the Top Guns cruise through on Day One.

After a 92-year wait, fans enjoyed the return of rugby to the ‘Holy Grail’ of sports. Ever since the International Olympic Committee gave it’s nod in 2009 for rugby’s return, the dream of every sevens player; Men and Women alike, was awakened. That dream materialized when France and Spain graced the field for the opening match of the Games.

Rugby - Olympics: Day 1
The first ever Olympic rugby sevens match, between France and Spain on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium, Brazil.

The three day tournament which will run from the 6-8th of August, sees teams playing two matches per day. Fiji created the only major upset of the day defeating United States 12-7, while big guns Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Great Britain made light work of their opponents. Cruising to victory in style, follow all ‘the Lowdown’ with Last Word on Sports.

Olympics Sevens: the LOWDOWN

Pool A 

Australia cruised through, scoring 89 points for and none against. They humbled Fiji and Colombia, with Charlotte Caslick leading the charge with four tries. Speedsters Emma Tonegato and Elia Green made light work of their opponents, easily taking care of Day One. With Australia clearly stamping their mark as tournament favorites, the camp will feel pleased with the start.

With midfield general Emilee Cherry under a injury cloud, it was Alicia Quirk and super-boot Chloe Dalton who stepped up. Each did well, creating space for their wingers to move, with co-captains Sharni Williams and Shannon Parry laying the foundation up front.

On the other side of the draw, Fiji spoiled the day for the Americans. Just as news came through that the first Gold of the games had been awarded in shooting, the Fijians were in a serious mood to make their own history. With a strong ‘rush defense’ and offloads, the Fijian girls denied Team USA an ideal start.

Luisa Tisolo and Tima Ravisa crossed for Fiji, while another Fijian; playing for the United States, gave the offload that led to Alev Kelter’s try. Some big hits from Lavenia Tinai had the BBC commentators singing their praises (below). Stiff defence late in the second half denied an American comeback, as they continued to lose possession on contact. A great win 7-12 saw Fiji celebrate the accomplishment.

Game two

The United States bounced back against Colombia in game two, and will be vying desperately for the important top qualifying places. Only the top two third-best finishing teams can make the quarters. Right now, Fijiana looks highly likely to finish second after the final pool games tomorrow.

To underestimate the Fijians that was their biggest mistake on Day One. If Team USA really want to give Australia a run tomorrow, they should start Joanne Fa’avesi and Bui Baravilala. That might stop the Aussies in the middle of the field, and be more ruthless in the contact area. In sevens ‘anything can happen’ in an instant. Fans will enjoy that part of game, the fast pace and running style of rugby.

Meanwhile, Colombia will learn from their mistakes today and try to improve tomorrow. They aim to finish the tournament in ninth spot or higher, as they desperately want to gain core status on the Sevens Series.

Results: USA 7-12 Fiji | Australia 53-0 Colombia | USA 48-0 Colombia | Australia 36-0 Fiji

Pool B 

The old quartet is back, and they stood out today for New Zealand. Huriana Manuel, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Kayla McAlister and Portia Woodman gave us glimpses of what gave them two back-to-back HSBC Women’s Sevens Series titles. When in full-fitness, these girls can deliver.

They scored 83 points, with Spain the only team to cross their line. McAlister and Woodman grabbed four tries a piece, in just two games. Those results told the Aussies ‘don’t count us out yet’. Captain Sarah Goss; who was sent off in the first game, had an outstanding day leading from the front. Beside Niall Williams, Gayle Broughton and Kelly Brazier, all providing that added thrust.

Return of sharp shooter Tyla Nathan-Wong

Another welcoming sight to the Kiwis game was the return of Nathan-Wong, as her kicking skills during restarts and conversions are second to none. This star player epitomizes what is lacking in their Men’s team in the nine/ten role, with the retirement of Fijian-born ace Tomasi Cama. Her star is on the rise, if she can stay fit for all three days.

France won their European battle, with Olympic repechage winner Spain. They nullified the presence and distribution of Patricia Garcia and Barbara Pla and their showdown with the ‘Seven Sisters’ from Aotearoa will be one to watch on Day Two.

France make history on Day One

Camille Grassineau will go down in history as the first woman to score a rugby sevens try at the Olympics. When she crossed over for the tournaments first try, Grassineau was just one of the outstanding performers from the world circuit, who continued their form here in Brazil.

Spain will definitely take up one of the best third-placed finishes along with USA. Obviously, both sides will try to improve from today and create an upset [possibly] tomorrow. Minnows Kenya will try to finish Day two on a high note, only just returning to the this level of competition. Africa and Asia are markets that the Olympic exposure of sevens will benefit from the most.

Results: France 24-7 Spain | New Zealand 52-0 Kenya | France 40-7 Kenya | New Zealand 31-5 Spain

Pool C

Chislaine Landry showed her credentials from the get-go, to stamp the Canadian teams mark in the tournament. They have a the team that can win this competition for sure. With Karen Moleschi, Bianca Farella, Karen Paquin and captain fantastic Jen Kish in fine form, who would count them out

Canada like Australia–are a well oiled unit. They play off each other so well, with good understanding of the game and their roles. If Great Britain wants to beat them, it is simple. Shut-down Landry and win the fight at the deck. Deny them possession, keep it tight with good rush defense in the middle. Or it ‘sounds’ simple enough.

All important ninth spot up for grabs

Japan and Brazil each will chase that all important ninth spot finish. That will automatically give them a spot on next seasons world circuit. The Brazilians were a most improved side, while Japan; like their Men’s team need; to match some of their Pacific Islands players, with locally drawn talent. The women should aim to work on raw power and strength, to compete at the breakdown.

Results: Great Britain 29-3 Brazil | Canada 45-0 Japan | Great Britain 40-0 Japan | Canada 38-0 Brazil

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Overall, Day One was a good start to the tournament. The passion on the field was infectious and as the day went on, the crowd grew too. Expect more from the ladies, and a full house on Tuesday, when the Men take to the field.

Last round of the pool play starts around 14;00 GMT. Those games will determine the quarter final standings. But as of now, Australia, New Zealand, France, Team GB, Canada and possibly Fiji–provided they beat Colombia–will take up the six automatic spots. Team USA and Spain should take up the last two.

Top Guns cruise through

Let us not get too far ahead of ourselves though. Seven minutes is a longtime in rugby sevens. All to play for tomorrow: can the Fijiana create another upset? will Australia continue their dominance?

All that will unfold in the next 24 hours and as they say in Merseyside #WeGoAgain

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Follow all the updates and results of the Olympics Women’s Sevens competition here on Last Word On Sports with Senior Editor Scott Hornell and Jovilisi Waqa.

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