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In the market for a medal, US rugby 7s finish just short
By JOHN PYEJuly 27, 2021 GMT
TOKYO (AP) For rugby sevens veterans like Perry Baker, competing in the Olympics can involve a fine balance between gamesmanship and showmanship.
Gamesmanship because his U.S. team is full of talented, athletic players, has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world sevens series and entered the Tokyo Games as a contender for an Olympic medal. Showmanship because they still need to market the sport in America.
U.S. players including Perry, a two-time world sevens series player of the year, and Carlin Isles, the fastest man in the game, said an Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games would put rugby more firmly on the American sporting map.
Ireland 7s fall to second defeat in Tokyo against impressive USA side the42.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from the42.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The favourites in the Olympic Rugby Sevens competition moved safely through to the quarter-finals after the opening pool matches in hot and humid conditions on Monday, but the fate of Australia and hosts Japan hangs in the balance.
New Zealand brushed aside the strong challenge of Argentina in their second game in Pool A, winning 35-14 to book their place in the last eight. The Argentines need to beat minnows South Korea on Tuesday to go through.
Australia may have to beat the All Blacks on day two to keep their hopes alive, though a thumping 42-5 victory over the Koreans improved their points difference after a poor showing in an opening 29-19 loss to Argentina.
Tokyo Olympics: New Zealand go two from two on opening day of men's sevens stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.