Paris Olympics 2024: Heartbreak for Australia after USA secures last-minute winner to claim bronze in rugby 7s
Australia will be left to rue what could have been in the rugby 7s, after falling in the bronze medal match to the USA by two points.
It was a shock result for the Aussies, who were the favourites, but lost the match on the very last play of the game.
Australia was ahead five points with a minute to go thanks to a late try from Maddi Levi, but America’s Alex Sedreck took the game on and was able to burst through Australia’s defence.
She ran close to the length of the field, levelling the scores before a conversion put them in front, securing the bronze medal 14-12.
It was the second time in as many games Australia had been on the receiving end of an upset loss, going down to Canada in the semifinals.
The loss means the side wasn’t able to give a fairy tale send off for Sharni Smale, who decided to hang up the boots after the tournament.
Camera IconKristi Kirshe #12 of Team United States is tackled by Isabella Nasser #10 and Tia Hinds #9 of Team Australia. Credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The game started strongly for Australia, with Levi called upon early.
She received the pass from skipper Charlotte Caslick and breaking the lines to score the first try of the match.
With America pressing in the moments following, Australia found themselves down a player after Teagan Levi was given a yellow card.
The video umpire found she made head-high contact in the tackle, leaving the Aussies one down for a short period.
Faith Nathan put her body on the line to prevent an American try, but their relentless pressure allowed them to get on the board through Alev Kelter soon after.
Australia put on some offence of their own with their full allotment back on the pitch, but weren’t able to score, leaving the scores locked at 7-all.
A fumble from USA’s Ilona Maher forced the turnover to give the Aussies a chance, but Sariah Paki wasn’t able to be clean in the try zone, missing the opportunity to score.
Australia was able to rally and put on some offence, but team USA’s defence was holding strong.
A penalty saw the United States get the ball with 1:47 left on the clock.
Camera IconCharlotte Caslick #7 of Team Australia passes the ball whilst under pressure from Sammy Sullivan #4. Credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Australia was able to win the loose ball, and Teagan Levi put on the jets before giving it off to sister Maddi to get her second try of the match to put the side five points up.
With less than a minute to go, USA found a way through the Aussie defence, Sedreck running close to the length of the field to seal the match and secure bronze for her side.
Skipper Charlotte Caslick fought back tears when speaking to Channel Nine, saying the side will be back.
“Obviously Tokyo we finished fifth and now we finished fourth,” she said.
“To miss out on this one hurts, but we’ll go again.
“That’s the beauty of sport.”
After dominating the whole tournament, the Aussies fell in the semifinal match against Canada.
They scored the first 12 points and had one eye on New Zealand for the gold medal match.
However, the Canadians had other ideas, scoring 21 consecutive points to earn their way to the final.
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