It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine that Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley could have been competing in Rio this week.
The former Aussie Sevens player did briefly consider a Olympic stint but instead was watching on the Central Coast as his former teammates were knocked out in tough circumstances against South Africa.
Foley said he felt for the side, having been in touch with many of the players in the lead up to the games.
“I think their preparation has been flawless just speaking to the guys. They all say they're in career-best nick,” he said.
“They've trained so hard for so long and just even in the planning, the Olympics has been in view for so long the last couple of years so I'm sure they'll be very disappointed.”
An opening loss to France derailed their campaign, but Australia managed to scrape into the final eight with a win over South Africa, before going down in that knockout clash.
“They probably hurt themselves in that first game in the pool match yesterday,” Foley said.
“They had a great achievement in beating South Africa this morning and just too far to back it up this afternoon.”
While Foley had one eye on the Australian Sevens, the Olympic news that could have the biggest implications for the Wallabies as an achilles injury for Sonny Bill Williams
Williams could be out for up to nine months after the injury, ruling him out of playing any role in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Foley said it wouldn’t change too much for the Wallabies, with the centre unlikely to play in the opening Bledisloe Tests regardless of injury.
“We haven’t really thought about it at all,” he said.
“You question how much of an impact he was going to have in the Rugby Championship, whether he was right to come in.
“You only have to speak to the guys about how gruelling the preparation is for Sevens tournaments and the toll it does have on your body.
“He was unlucky in getting injured and not being able to play out the whole tournament. I'm sure Steve Hansen will have different views now (on who will play) and hopefully he returns sooner rather than later.”
