In a historic victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, France clinched its first-ever gold medal in rugby sevens, defeating two-time defending champions Fiji with a decisive 28-7 win in the final at the Stade de France on July 27. The French team, led by rugby superstar Antoine Dupont, overcame a shaky start to dominate the second half and secure a landmark victory for the host nation.Dupont, widely regarded as one of the world’s best rugby players, played a pivotal role in France’s triumph. Coming off the bench as a ‘super substitute’ in the second half, he scored two tries and set up another, showcasing his exceptional speed, agility, and vision. His performance was particularly noteworthy given his recent switch from 15-a-side rugby to the Olympic sevens format.The victory marked a significant turnaround for the French team, who had previously lost to Fiji in the group stage. It also ended Fiji’s remarkable 17-game winning streak in Olympic rugby sevens, a run that had remained unbroken since the sport’s introduction to the Olympic program in 2016.France’s path to gold included victories over the United States, Uruguay, Argentina, and a 19-5 win against South Africa in the semi-finals. The team’s success is particularly meaningful for the host nation, where rugby has long been a source of both pride and occasional disappointment.This Olympic triumph adds to an already stellar year for Dupont, who earlier won the national championship and the Champions Cup with his 15-a-side club, Stade Toulousain. The gold medal victory also serves as a redemption of sorts for the French team, following their disappointment in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.In the bronze medal match, South Africa defeated Australia 26-19.
Key points
- France won its first Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens, defeating Fiji 28-7 in the final.
- Antoine Dupont played a crucial role, scoring two tries and setting up another.
- The victory ended Fiji’s 17-game Olympic winning streak in rugby sevens.
- This win adds to France’s successful year in rugby, following victories in the national championship and Champions Cup.
Contradictions👾Some sources reported Dupont scoring two tries, while one source mentioned he scored three tries.
The majority of sources confirm two tries, so this is likely the accurate information.
