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The enthusiastic French crowd rallied behind their home rugby sevens squad, pushing them to keep their momentum. However, the Fiji men’s team had an undefeated record on the Olympic stage.
Something had to give, and it culminated in one of the greatest moments in French Olympic history. The hosts clinched their first gold medal of the 2024 Olympics with a 28-7 victory.
It marked the first rugby medal for the French team in 100 years, since the last time the Olympics were held in Paris. The victory was achieved in a dramatic fashion on Saturday.
Facing a formidable challenge as underdogs against Fiji, who have won gold and remained unbeaten in Olympic rugby sevens since the sport debuted in 2016, France initially trailed as Fiji showcased their strength.
With 5:39 left in the first half, Joseva Talacolo finished a dynamic Fiji run, scoring the first try and giving the defending champions an early lead. Fiji’s defense then appeared impenetrable as France maintained possession but struggled to advance.
Entering the match with a 17-0 Olympic record, Fiji seemed poised for a threepeat.
However, with two minutes remaining in the first half, France leveled the score. Jefferson-Lee Joseph scored a try and Rayan Rebbadj’s conversion kick tied the game, sending a stunned Fiji into halftime.
In the second half, France appeared more confident. Their powerful drives, fueled by breakaway runs from team legend Antoine Dupont, electrified the Stade de France crowd. Dupont’s dash down the field and pass to Aaron Grandidier Nkanang led to the go-ahead try.
The stadium chanted “Dupont, Dupont” as Paulin Riva’s conversion put France ahead 14-7.
With Fiji making a last-ditch effort to equalize, France capitalized and broke down the field for another try. Dupont himself scored with 1:20 left, making it 21-7 and sparking early celebrations among the 67,000 fans.
In the final moments, Dupont added another try, sealing the 28-7 victory and igniting fireworks as France secured its historic gold.
The players then celebrated joyously, gathering at the pitch’s center for a choreographed dance to Will Smith’s song “Miami,” with lights shining on them and the crowd cheering as they struck their final pose.
It was a fitting conclusion to a historic day for French sports.