The Front Row Union Sport - Olympic 7s: Ireland Men Pool Stages

Olympic 7s: Ireland Men Pool Stages

Jul 25, 2024

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The opening matches of the Olympic 7s kicked off on Wednesday in Stade de France with Ireland facing South Africa and Japan in Day 1 and New Zealand in Day 2.

Match 5: Ireland 10 South Africa 5

This was an exciting first match for both sides with Ireland pulling away in the second half. The first score of the game was by South Africa’s Selvyn Davids. Terry Kennedy and Jordan Conroy both crossed the line for Ireland. Zac Ward had a promising game for the Irish side making plenty metres with some big carries.

Terry Kennedy celebrates his first Olympic try in the series.

Match 11: Ireland 40 Japan 5

Despite the score line, Japan played an exciting and fast pace game. It was an unfortunate game for Japan only getting one score by Shotaro Tsuoka but it has to be said Ireland played very well with Niall Comerford, Zac Ward, Terry Kennedy, Chay Mullins (2) and Harry McNulty all crossing the line.

This left Ireland and New Zealand tied at the top of Pool A overnight with the final pool match and Pool decider to be played Thursday afternoon.

Match 18: New Zealand 14 Ireland 12

Ireland battled out a 0 – 12 lead in the first half. A fired up Zac Ward went over for the opening try after 6 minute and he was followed by Jordan Conroy for their second a minute later. Mark Roche added the conversion.

New Zealand pulled back a score at the start of the second half with Leroy Carter going over in the first minute for Akuila Rokolisoa to convert to take the score to 7 – 12. As the clock ticked down Ngarohi McGarvey-Black finished off a break in the Irish 22 leaving Andrew Knewstubb with a conversion to take the game. The conversion was good leaving New Zealand top of the Pool after a 14 – 12 win.