Australia progress to Cup quarter finals
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Australia has defeated Portugal 31-5 in their final pool match at International Rugby Sevens Adelaide this afternoon and progressed to the Cup quarter-finals.
“This is the first time this year we have won all three pool games so I am delighted, really happy,” the Australian coach, Michael O’Connor said.
“I think when everyone tells you that you are in a tough draw, it is a good thing. It sets a challenge up for you. I have always seen it as a positive that we are playing England, Portugal and Samoa…the guys have been up for every game. I knew they would be up for this tournament too. They have put in a lot of work and they are going well so far,” O’Connor added.
Australia got an early lead over Portugal when Luke Morahan touched down for a try only 22 seconds into the match. Richard Kingi followed with a conversion.
After the three minute mark Shaun Foley, a former Australian Schoolboy, scored another try and Kingi converted for Australia.
Around a minute later Foley crossed the line again to extend Australia’s lead to 19-0.
However, just before the break Pedro Leal scored Portugal’s first and only try for the match.
In the second half, Australia extended their lead with Henry Vanderglas scoring an early try and Willie Bishop followed with a conversion.
Mid way through the deciding half Bishop put a further five points on the board for Australia to take the score to 31-5.
“Our expectation is to go out and win every game. We’re not going out there just to compete, we’re trying to win,” O’Connor said.
Australia, who finished top of Pool A, will meet Argentina in a Cup quarter final tomorrow at 12.06pm Adelaide time.
“Winning today has given us a lot of confidence going into the finals tomorrow,” Kingi said. “We have beaten two top teams this tournament, we are very happy and can see the improvement.”
Australia 31 defeated (Shaun Foley (2), Willie Bishop, Luke Morahan, Henry Vanderglas tries; Willie Bishop, Richard Kingi (2) conversions) Portugal 5 (Pedro Leal try)
