Aussies stage comeback in rugby sevens - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Aussies stage comeback in rugby sevens

30/05/2010 01:30:32 PM Comments (0)

Australia managed a 21-21 draw with England on day one of the Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield after trailing 21-0.

The Australians will now play off against Fiji for third in the championship standings when play resumes on Sunday.

England were keen to exact revenge after Australia spoiled their home event last weekend, knocking the hosts out early in the race for the Cup on their way to a first tournament victory since 2002.

The red and white's were full of intent and piled on three converted tries within five minutes to hold what seemed to be a match-winning lead before a brace of tries to Sam Latunipulu and a try and three conversions to Aussie captain James Stannard, levelled the scores.

Australia completed the pool rounds undefeated after earlier notching a 14-0 win over Canada before finding form and defeating Portugal 35-21.

Coach Michael O'Connor's side has the opportunity to claim third place on the IRB Sevens World Series standings on Sunday (Monday AEST) when they play Pacific Island heavyweight Fiji in the Cup quarter-finals.

Win or lose, Australia will complete their best season on the IRB circuit since the 2001/2002 series.

O'Connor said he was impressed with the composure his young team showed against England in the face of almost certain defeat.

"England really ambushed us at the start with three converted tries and that's a tough ask to come back from so I'm really proud of the boys," O'Connor said.

Samoa, who suffered an upset lost to Argentina, and New Zealand will fight it out for top honours during the final day of the season at Murrayfield.

Samoa currently hold a seven-point lead over the Kiwis in the Championship standings.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news