Australian Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth Games: the story so far

Thu, Jul 24, 2014, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Ahead of the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, we take a look at previous campaigns the Rugby Sevens team has taken part in since the sport's inception in 1998.

1998 Commonwealth Games – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur was the first time Rugby Sevens was played at the event and it proved an enormous success. The Australian team was led by former Sevens and Wallabies star David Campese who helped Australia to a Bronze medal, beating Samoa 33-12 in the Plate Final. New Zealand collected its 100th Commonwealth Games medal with a 21-12 win over Fiji, headed by a stellar performance from legend winger Jonah Lomu in the Cup Final.

Australian Team: Brendon Williams, Cameron Pither, David Campese, Ipolito Fenukitau, Jim Williams, Marc Stcherbina, Matthew Dowling, Richard Graham, Rick Nalatu, Tyron Mandrusiak.

2002 Commonwealth Games – Manchester, England

The 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester saw Australia record a 6th place finish after losing the Plate Final to a strong England side, determined to win in front of their home crowd. The Australian team boasted former Wallabies fly-half Julian Huxley and current Australian Sevens Women’s Head Coach, Tim Walsh. Heavyweights New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa finished at the top of the standings.

Australian Team: Cameron Pither, Edward Carter, Julian Huxley, Marc Stcherbina, Mark Bartholomeusz, Peter Hynes, Peter Miller, Richard Graham , Rob McDonald , Scott Barton, Tim Atkinson , Tim Walsh.

2006 Commonwealth Games – Melbourne, Australia

Australia hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the Sevens Team finished up in 4th place behind New Zealand, England and Fiji. The host team included former Wallabies Lote Tuqiri and Matthew Giteau but their presence wasn’t enough as Australia failed to win a medal.

Australian Team Brendon Williams, Cameron Shepherd, Christopher Latham, Damon Murphy, Joshua Gamgee, Lote Tuqiri, Luke Inman, Matthew Giteau, Michael McVerry, Nicholas Reily, Scott Fava, Shawn Mackay.

2010 Commonwealth Games – Delhi, India

At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, the Australian Men’s sevens team recorded their best ever finish at the event, winning a Silver medal. Australia led the reigning champions 7-10 at half time before New Zealand came back to claim the Gold medal with a 24-17 win in the final. The team was spearheaded by big names including Bernard Foley, Lachie Turner, Nick Cummins and Pat McCabe, along with current Sevens representatives James Stannard and Liam Gill.

Australian Team: Bernard Foley, James Stannard, Kimami Sitauti, Lachie Turner, Liam Gill, Luke Morahan, Nick Phipps, Nick Cummins, Pat McCutcheon, Robbie Coleman, Ed Jenkins, Shaun Foley

Share