Former Wallabies star backs Aussie Sevens team to stun Fiji at Paris Olympics after heavy rain during Opening Ceremony
- Australians to face Fiji in Olympic men’s rugby semi-final
- Will be underdogs in Paris, Fiji won gold at Rio and Tokyo Games
- Kick-off is midnight, winners play final against France or South Africa
Former Wallabies star Morgan Turinui believes Australia can pull off a ‘boilover’ and beat mighty Fiji in their semi-final of the Sevens Rugby at the Paris Olympics on Saturday night.
It seems a tough task considering the Fijians have never lost a Sevens event at Olympic level before.
They won gold in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2021) and were undefeated in both tournaments.
But Turinui, who played 20 Tests for the Wallabies before moving into commentary, hinted at a surprise.
“On a hard and fast course Fiji could possibly reach a level that Australia would struggle with,” Turinui said The wide world of sports.
‘But the [recent] In wet weather you have to stand a little closer together, a little deeper, you can’t even relieve yourself.
“There’s a greater risk to reward for the way they like to play…but that said, it’s still a tough call.”
Electric winger Matt Gonzalez pointed out the close bond John Manenti has with his team.
Former Wallabies star Morgan Turinui believes Australia can stage a ‘boilover’ and beat Fiji in their semi-final of the Sevens Rugby at the Paris Olympics on Saturday night
John Manenti’s men are full of confidence, having beaten Samoa (21-14), Kenya (21-7), Argentina (22-14) and the USA (18-0) and remaining unbeaten before their clash with the all-powerful Fijians (pictured Nick Malouf)
Electric winger Matt Gonzalez believes close bond with John Manenti’s squad could prove crucial
We’re gonna make it [opportunity] “With both hands, one game at a time,” he said.
‘We 14 are going all out, because we know how important this is for us and the country.
‘[As a group] We hang out every day, see each other for eight hours every day and then we try to catch up for a few cups of coffee on the weekends, so we’re a special group of guys.
‘We all love each other very much and you can see that, for example, when we play for each other and when we wear the emblem on our shirt.’
The men of Manenti radiate self-confidence and understandably so: they have defeated Samoa (21-14), Kenya (21-7), Argentina (22-14) and the USA (18-0) and are still undefeated.
The Aussies play at midnight. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 03:45 (AEST) against either France or South Africa at the Stade de France.