Australia’s men’s rugby sevens team have survived some early nerves to beat Samoa 21-14 as Olympic action got underway in Paris.
Disaster loomed in what was essentially a must-win game to open the competition at Stade de France on Wednesday after a long Dietrich Roache pass was intercepted to give Samoa an early lead.
John Manenti’s side, seeking to go beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in the sport’s third Games appearance, had the fumbles in a clunky first half.
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Henry Hutchison skipped through a tackle on halftime to level things at 7-7 before two pinpoint passes put Nathan Lawson away for the go-ahead try early in the second half.
More good defence held off the Samoans before Hutchison’s second try sealed the result, a late Samoa five-pointer on the bell only a consolation.
NRL-bound former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase was only deployed in the final minutes and had limited involvement.
The Australians, who are among the many medal chances, face Kenya later on Wednesday in a danger game, before meeting world champions Argentina in their final pool game on Thursday.
The top two sides and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarter-finals on Thursday night, with the medals decided on Saturday.
