Aussie men's Sevens fall short in Glasgow
AAP
May 11, 2015, 7:18 am
Australia's men's Sevens rugby team have finished a disappointing seventh at the Glasgow tournament, meaning they've almost certainly missed automatic qualification for next year's Rio Olympics.
Needing to finish in the top four on the overall standings to book their tickets to Brazil, Australia's poor showing in Scotland over the weekend leaves them 16 points behind fourth-placed England with one round of the series remaining.
Aust Sevens finish seventh in Glasgow
Australia would need to win or at least make the final at the tournament at Twickenham in London next weekend and rely on England losing just about every match to leap them on the table.
On Sunday, Australia lost their Cup quarter-final to the United States 14-7 before succumbing to South Africa 21-12 in the Plate semi-final at a wet Scotstoun Stadium.
Barring a miracle at Twickenham, Australia will need to win the Oceania Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland on November 14-15 to confirm their place at the Rio Olympics.
Fiji moved to the top of the standings in Glasgow after beating New Zealand 24-17 in the Cup final while England defeated the US to finish third.
South Africa saw off Scotland in the Plate final to finish fifth.
Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa are all guaranteed Rio qualification.
"We shot ourselves in the foot against the Americans by turning the ball over too many times and handing them two tries from around 100m out which is particularly disappointing," said Australian coach Geraint John.
John said a quality South African side capitalised on errors from the Australians.
"Throughout the weekend I think we've shown glimpses of what we are capable of, but we have been too erratic," he said.
Australia have been drawn in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Wales and Japan for the Twickenham tournament.
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