France struggles in Day 1 of the Olympic rugby sevens tournament
Australia's Nathan Lawson, left, tackles Kenya's Vincent Onyala during the men's Rugby Sevens Pool B match between Australia and Kenya at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
PARIS — France’s powerhouse rugby sevens team had a shaky start on Day 1 of the Paris Olympics.
The French opened at State de France on Wednesday with a disappointing 12-12 draw against the U.S. but rebounded with a 19-12 victory over Uruguay. The reigning rugby sevens series champions, led by star Antonie Dupont, are among the favorites at the men's Olympic tournament, which concludes Saturday.
The tournament started with 12 teams playing two games each on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony.
New Zealand 40, Japan 12
New Zealand played a physical match and scored six tries to defeat Japan in its first match of the day.
New Zealand 17, South Africa 5
Thanks to two tries from Moses Leo, the All Blacks moved past South Africa and secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Fiji's Ponipate Loganimasi, left, reacts as United States' Perry Baker runs onto score a try during the men's Rugby Sevens Pool C match between Fiji and the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
Ireland 10, South Africa 5
Two tries, scored by Jordan Conroy and Terry Kennedy, were enough for Ireland to defeat South Africa.
Ireland 40, Japan 5
Ireland routed Japan with six tries and qualified for the quarterfinals.
Australia's Ben Dowling, top, takes a high ball supported by teammate Australia's Nick Malouf during the men's Rugby Sevens Pool B match between Australia and Samoa at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
Fiji 40, Uruguay 12
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion, Fiji, started its tournament with an impressive victory over Uruguay, scoring five tries.
Fiji 38, USA 12
Fiji overpowered the U.S. with six tries scored and secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
Australia 21, Samoa 14
Samoa opened the scoring, but the Australians equalized just before the break before taking the lead in the second half thanks to Henry Hutchinson.
Australia 21, Kenya 7
In its second match of the day, Australia scored three tries and advanced to the next round.
Argentina 31, Kenya 12
Despite conceeding an early try, Argentina, a medal contender, managed to defeat Kenya in its opening match of the tournament by scoring three tries. The fans in the Stade de France booed loudly as players from Argentina made their entry in the field in response to the recent controversy over a racist chant sung by the Argentinian football national team during the Copa America.
Argentina 28, Samoa 12
In its second match of the day, Argentina dominated Samoa, with Matias Osadczuk scoring two tries. Argentina qualified for the quarterfinals.
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