Blink and you can miss it – such is the speed and frenetic intensity of rugby sevens. And on Wednesday afternoon at the sun-soaked Stade de France, speed was a vital factor as the Australian men overcame Samoa 21-14 in their campaign opener – the first Australian appearance at the Paris Olympics, two days before the opening ceremony.
It was epitomised in a vital moment. With four minutes remaining in the match (sevens is played in two halves over 14 minutes), scores were level at seven apiece. After Samoa fouled on a tackle in the centre of the pitch, Matt Gonzalez spun the ball leftwards to the head gear wearing Dietrich Roache. The pace quickened as Roache charged forward, before sending a long, looping pass to captain Nick Malouf. The sevens veteran, who has now been playing for his nation for over a decade, darted towards the only two remaining Samoan defenders.
