PARIS, France (WCMH) — The men’s Olympics rugby sevens tournament got underway in Paris Wednesday morning and the USA were able to earn a draw in one of the two matches they played.
The Americans’ first game on Wednesday was against the hosts France at the Stade de France in Paris. The U.S. was able to enter halftime with a 7-5 lead after Lucas Lacamp scored a try. After the hosts regained the lead early in the second half, Marcus Tupuola scored another try for Team USA and hit a conversion to tie the game at 12.
As the match entered additional time, the U.S. was deep in its own territory and elected to kick the ball out of bounds and settle for the draw with the French, earning two points in Pool C.
Later in the day, the USA met the defending gold medalists Fiji and suffered a rout, falling to the heavy favorites 38-12. After its first two pool matches, the Americans sit in third place in its group with three points.
Thursday will see pool play conclude in the men’s rugby tournament with the USA facing Uruguay at 9 a.m. ET. The Americans would advance to the quarterfinals, which take place Thursday afternoon, if they finish top two in Pool C or as one of the two best third-place teams overall.