The Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens Team have fallen just short of an Olympic medal, losing to the USA in heartbreaking fashion in the bronze medal match 14-12.
It was a tight battle in stifling heat at the Stade de France, with Australia getting the early break before the USA hit back. The tense battle and heavy defence meant both coaches were using their benches, and all players were spent.
A late try to Maddison Levi, her 14th of the tournament, with only 90 seconds remaining, looked to have secured the bronze medal for Australia, 12-7.
However, the Americans kept fighting to break through the Australian defense. That break came from Alex Sedrick deep in the American half, with only injury time remaining. She was able to outrun the tired Australians to give her country its first medal in Rugby Sevens at the Olympics.
Captain Charlotte Caslick said that while the result was heartbreaking, she was incredibly proud of her side and their performances in Paris.
“We gave it everything and played our hearts out,” she said. “I think that's the beauty of sevens and sport. It's a game of moments.
“The girls tried their hearts out and I can't ask for anything more. I'm just really proud of the girls.” Coach Tim Walsh echoed his captain’s sentiments.
“It was an amazing event,” he said. “It was huge. The girls played really well.
“They gave it everything. They're going to be disappointed, obviously but I'm proud of them.”
It looked promising early for Australia, as it had in the semi-final against Canada.
Maddison scored for Australia after just one minute and Tia Hinds converted for an early 7-0 lead. The Americans hit back right before half-time to level the scores (7-7).
The USA soon turned up the pressure, dominating possession in the back end of the first half.
A yellow card to Teagan Levi with just over two minutes remaining gave the USA a player advantage, eventually capitalising with a try to Alev Kelter with only seconds left on the clock. Scores were tied at the half-time break.
The second half continued to be a tight affair, with both sides battling hard before the last-minute drama.
Earlier in the day, Australia fell agonisingly close to making it through to the gold medal match, losing to eventual silver medallists Canada 21-12 in the semi-final.
Australia led by 12 points early in the game but were unable to stop the Canadian comeback.
New Zealand defeated Canada 19-12 in the gold medal match to defend their title from Tokyo 2020.
This article was originally written for The Australian Olympic Team. You can read the published version here
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