Australia have failed to qualify for the world rugby sevens series quarter-finals in South Africa after pool losses to the Unites States and New Zealand.
After a first-up 36-12 victory over Spain, the Aussies lost 31-14 to the US and 35-12 to the Kiwis.
Australia dominated the Spaniards, with Lachie Anderson scoring a try in the first minute, Simon Kennewell crossing three times and second half tries to Maurice Longbottom and Matthew Hood.
After going ahead against the US through a Boyd Killingworth try, the Aussies couldn’t contain Carlin Isles who snared three first-half tries.
Australia reduced the margin after the break but the American sealed the game, to add to their earlier win over NZ.
“We knew after Dubai that the USA team was going to come out a better team, but that’s the nature of this competition at the moment,” Australia coach Andy Friend said.
In the game to decide second place in the pool, the Kiwis shot out to a 21-0 half-time lead.
Australia fought back early in the second period with tries to Simon Kennewell and Lewis Holland reducing the deficit to 21-12 but that was as close as they got.
“We knew it was going to be tough pool,” Friend said.
“We had our chances against USA and didn’t take them and coming up in a Grand Final match against the Kiwis and they were too good for us.”
Australia will play Uganda in the challenge trophy finals on Sunday (Monday 5.42am AEDT) as they seek crucial series points to ensure the best possible seeding heading into the Sydney Sevens on the Australia Day long weekend next year.
“We know that the next tournament for us is our home tournament and that’s what is so disappointing,” Friend said.
“What is important now is that we come back tomorrow and make sure we come ninth.”
ClarkeG
Guest
At present Ravouvou is a much a liability as he is an asset the penalty magnet that he is. If he wants to progress past 7s for NZ then he is going to need to play a lot smarter.
Muzzo
Guest
Yep was a bit of a shock, but , after that particular loss, their game fell into place. It also must be taken into consideration that this young team under coach Laidlaw,is still rebuilding, & what they have achieved so far, has been some what remarkable. After making the the quarters, they beat England, then the fantastic Bokke side in the semi's, before taking out Argentina in the final. Even after that, & with the AB Sevens being, now, top of the log, I still reckon IMO, that, the team that will the hardest to beat, will be the Blitzbokke.
cuw
Guest
NZ have found a new Stowers - KOROI :) and hope Joe Ravouvou stays in 7s for many years ( unlike Lam and Heem and Halai et al...)
JP
Guest
Spud coach. Say no more.
Daveski
Guest
Sevens is so much about momentum and possession. US could get no ball against Argentina in the quarters until it was too late. Big turn around in many team's form and fortunes in the week between Dubai and Capetown.
Jumbo
Guest
Well done to nz a gutsy tournament.
cuw
Guest
USA nilling NZ was quite a shock - considering USA was rubbish in Dubai. still they have to back it up in cup 1/4 finals round today...