RUGBY SEVENS: The Australian men’s sevens team kept themselves in contention for a spot in the last eight at the Rio Olympics after seeing off Spain 24-12 at Deodoro Stadium this afternoon.

Cameron Clark scored the quickest try of the day when he dotted down after just seven seconds on the clock, but a quick-fire double from centre Marcos Poggi gave Spain the advantage.

Right on half-time Con Foley was brought down agonisingly close to the line, only for Jesse Parahi to pick up the loose ball to score.

James Stannard’s conversion gave the Aussies the lead at the break, an advantage that was extended midway through the second half when John Porch raced clear on the left to score.

Foley sealed the win when he picked up the ball from the scrum-half position to notch a five-pointer under the posts.

Australian sevens Head Coach Andy Friend had mixed feelings after a patchy first day but did praise his players after recovering from the defeat to France.

“I’d describe today as ‘piecy’. Game one is behind us but we didn’t respect the ball,” Friend said.

“We talked about it after but possession is everything. The second game was all about the win so I was happy with that, but still we need to be much better.

“I think we probably had a few nerves today, perhaps it’s the enormity of the environment we’re in, but to get the win over Spain was pleasing.

“The key for us is to get into the quarter-finals. We will play a tough team regardless if we make it.”

On tomorrow’s final Pool B opponents South Africa, Friend added: “They are a quality side. They’re not second in the world for nothing and we’re going to have our work cut out.”

Australia takes on South Africa at 12.30am AEST (11.30am local) tomorrow with a win assuring a spot in the Cup quarter-finals.

Steve Stammers

olympics.com.au