Unleashing the Aussie Thunder: The Path to Rugby Sevens Dominance

Captain Malouf credits team’s success to tactical strategy and key players

Captain Nick Malouf and his teammates had a dominant performance in the pool stages at the Paris Games /

By Mohamed Bahaa

Under the leadership of Captain Nick Malouf, Australia's men's rugby sevens team has demonstrated remarkable prowess in the pool stages of the Paris Games, advancing with a perfect record. Malouf, aware of the challenges ahead, emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging the team’s strengths to secure their place in history.

Throughout the tournament, standout performances by Henry Hutchison, Dietrich Roache, and Nathan Lawson have been pivotal. Malouf’s experience and tactical acumen were particularly evident in their victory over the USA, setting the stage for a potential historic milestone: qualifying for the men's rugby sevens quarter-finals at the Olympic Games for the first time.

James Turner and Corey Toole were instrumental in the first half against the USA, with Turner’s seasoned presence and Toole’s rising star power driving the team forward. Toole, a promising talent from the ACT Brumbies with eight tries in the Super Rugby Pacific this year, was denied a second score but contributed significantly to the team’s overwhelming win, capped by Maurice Longbottom’s decisive try.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Malouf shared insights into their aggressive and dynamic style of play. “We’ve just been wanting to fire our shots all tournament,” Malouf stated in an Olympic broadcast post-Argentina victory.

Australia’s campaign began with a hard-fought 21-14 victory over Samoa, despite an early setback with an intercept thrown by Roache. However, veteran Henry Hutchison’s double secured the win. They continued their dominant form with a 21-7 win against Kenya, followed by an attacking masterclass against Argentina, the current League titleholders, solidifying their undefeated streak.

Their triumph over the USA marked Australia’s fourth consecutive win at the Games, crucial for maintaining momentum in their quest for gold. “It’s nice to build momentum. A lot of these tournaments are about momentum,” Malouf noted.

Next, Australia faces Fiji in a high-stakes semi-final. The Fijians, two-time defending Olympic champions, have also maintained an unblemished record, overcoming Uruguay, the USA, and a tough quarter-final against Ireland with a narrow 19-15 win.

Australia's strategic approach and utilization of their “weapons” on the field have brought them to the cusp of Olympic glory. As they prepare for the showdown against Fiji, Malouf and his team remain focused on maintaining their momentum and executing their game plan to perfection.