Australia will now face South Africa in the men’s placing match at 11:30am AEST on Wednesday.

Australia 12 defeated by New Zealand 14

Australia booked their place in the quarter-finals following their first match of the day against New Zealand.

Working hard to retain possession, the Australian’s struck early, with Samu Kerevi breaking the New Zealand defence to score under the posts.

Lewis Holland added the extras and Australia then extended its lead with captain Nick Malouf driving over for his second try of the tournament.

With a 12-0 lead at halftime, Australia was in a strong position at the break. However, New Zealand came back onto the field firing with Dylan Collier, crossing immediately for the men in black.

Collier was yellow carded shortly after for a dangerous tackle; Australia failed to capitalise on the one-man overlap with Andrew Knewstubb breaking loose from tht Australian tackles, scoring under the posts and securing the win for New Zealand.

Australia 0 defeated by Fiji 19

Finishing as the highest placed, third-ranked team, Australia took on Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The reigning gold medallists opened up the scoring early in the match, with Jerry Tuwai using his speed to deceive the Australian defence.

Australia worked hard to contain the Fijians for the remainder of the first half and had a chance to draw even.

Substitute Maurice Longbottom looked to have put Australia over just before the break, but  Lachlan Anderson lost the ball in a desperate covering tackle as he dived over in the corner.

Australia still looked in the hunt in the second half, but handling errors cost them dearly and Fiji made them pay. Tuwai crossed for his second of the match and a final try on the bell to Aminiasa Tuimaba secured the quarter-final victory for Fiji and denied Australia any chance of a medal.

Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “There’s no denying the hurt which the entire staff and group are feeling after that match.

“We knew as a team we needed to be at our best, we expected to be there, however unfortunately we weren’t.

“We fell to a stronger Fijian side, we had opportunities within the game, however, unfortunately, we didn’t capitalise on these and we were ultimately beaten by a better team.

“Our attention turns to tomorrow where we will face South Africa, we know they are a strong side and in a similar position as us.

“It’s about fielding a performance which will make everyone at home proud, and after today’s results we know it’s something we need to deliver.”

Harrison Wakeling