Australia finish Olympics on high as they defeat USA

Sat, Jul 31, 2021, 8:24 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Aussie 7s Women end their Olympic campaign on a high with convincing wins over Russia and USA to secure fifth place

Australia has finished their Olympics on a high, defeating USA 17-7 to claim fifth place.

The next generation of stars in Demi Hayes, Madison Ashby and Faith Nathan broke the USA defence to secure the victory as Australia looks to the future.

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With memories of their group stage loss fresh in their mind, they were eager to get off to a strong start against the USA.

The Eagles were relentless with their pressure as they looked to force the mistake.

However, the mistakes came on their end as countless players would slightly mistime their tackles, knocking the ball down in the process and handing Australia multiple scrum resets

This allowed John Manenti’s side to continue to build pressure, eventually finding space through Faith Nathan.

After the try, Australia started to connect with their passes and looked to spread the USA wide, with Sharni Williams looking like she’d cruise over had one more pass been thrown.

In the end, they would find a way over before the break as Madison Ashby finished off a long phase of play, giving Australia the 10-0 lead at the break.

The Aussies regained possession from the kick off as they gave America little chance to attack with ball in hand.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t finish the move off as Sariah Paki lost the ball close to the line as she looked to continue the quick play.

Relishing a rare continual period with the ball, the US sprinted around the Australian defensive line as Kirsti Kirshe reduced the margin to just three.

However, Australia were eager for revenge as Demi Hayes finished off a series of powerful runs to extend the margin.

America pushed for a consolation try, however, Evania Pelite won the turnover and secure the win and fifth place for the Australians.

The win ensures the tournament ends on a high point following their shock quarter-final loss to Fiji.

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