In an exhilarating match at the Stade de France on Saturday, July 27, 2024, the French rugby team celebrated a monumental victory, clinching the men’s gold medal in Rugby Sevens by defeating Fiji 28-7. This triumph marked the end of Fiji’s Olympic dominance in the sport, shattering their 17-game winning streak in Olympic events.
Antoine Dupont, often regarded as the world’s top rugby player, was a key player in the match, scoring two decisive tries and assisting on another. His strategic introduction in the second half dramatically turned the tide in favor of France, as Dupont’s first touch of the ball set the tone for the rest of the game.
France’s participation in the Olympics was significant as it was their first appearance since missing qualification for the Tokyo Games. This gold medal was not just a victory but a form of redemption for Dupont, who shifted focus from the traditional 15s rugby format to seize the opportunity for Olympic glory on home turf.
The match began with Fiji scoring first but was knotted at 7-7 by halftime. Dupont quickly made an impact in the second half, sprinting down the sideline before passing to Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, leading to France’s 14-7 advantage. Dupont capped off his performance with two late tries, prompting raucous cheers from the 69,000-strong crowd, who chanted “Allez les Bleus.”
The victory resonated throughout France, a nation proud of its rugby history yet longing for success on the world stage. Rugby Sevens, though often overshadowed by the traditional 15-a-side format, received a vibrant showcase at the Olympics, marked by continuous action and a festive atmosphere.
In the bronze medal match, South Africa overcame Australia 26-19, despite conceding two late tries. The Australian team faced challenges after their captain received a red card for a high tackle. Meanwhile, New Zealand secured fifth place with a 17-7 victory over Ireland, while Argentina defeated the U.S. team 19-0 in the seventh-place playoff.
The French rugby team’s journey to gold was filled with ups and downs, including a surprising draw against the U.S. and a loss to Fiji in the group stage. However, they rallied to defeat Argentina and South Africa, ultimately achieving their goal in a thrilling final against the defending champions.