Aussies falter in Sevens medal hunt

AUSTRALIAN Men’s Sevens coach Tim Walsh blamed a lack of composure at key moments for his team falling just short of a medal at the Dubai Sevens.

The Australians were undefeated coming into day two and started with a comprehensive 38- 0 victory over Argentina to breeze through the quarterfinals on Saturday.

But they fell to two heartbreaking losses after the siren, to USA in the semi- final and England in the third- place playoff, to narrowly miss out on the podium. “We’re not there yet,” Walsh said. “We did some world- class things, had some world- class performances from individuals.

“But it’s a team sport and we’ve got to put it all together – and that’s what it’s going to take to be on the podium.”

In the semi- final against the USA, played in the fading desert sunlight, Australia led 17- 12 deep into the second half and had chances to close it out but small mistakes gave the Eagles an opportunity with Stephen Tomasin levelling the scores.

Danny Barrett then went over for the winner after the siren. It was a similar story in the bronze medal match as Australia led England 14- 5 at the break through two tries to speedster Lachlan Anderson, before Harry Glover went over after full- time as once again victory was snatched from the Aussies.

Asked the difference between victory and defeat Walsh said: “Just holding composure.

“Under stress you go back to old habits.”