Ireland Rugby Sevens crash out of Olympics after Fiji loss

The Ireland Men's Sevens team out of Olympic medal contention after losing in dramatic fashion to Fiji at the Stade de France.

James Topping's side's loss to top seeds New Zealand in their final pool game earlier today meant they were paired against the reigning champions in the quarter-finals - and Fiji had won their previous 15 games in Olympic competition.

And, once more, Ireland were left kicking themselves after putting themselves in position to put themselves into the last four only to concede two late tries.

South Africa, who Ireland deservedly beat in their first pool game, showed that an upset was possible after knocking out the Kiwis in their last eight clash before Ireland returned for the Fiji clash.

Then France, who had struggled under the weight of home expectations, came alive and beat Argentina - another team heavily favoured to medal - in a performance that lit up the stadium, with Antoine Dupont delivering the coup de grace, the killer try with the clock in the red.

Such is the nature of Sevens Rugby and upsets are not unusual, given how close in ability the top 12 sides in the world are.

Ireland had beaten Fiji in Perth and Vancouver during the Sevens series this year, and lost narrowly after extra-time to the Pacific Islanders when they met in the pool stages of the HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid last month.

So there was no reason for Ireland to fear their opponents. Jordan Conroy was able to start after suffering a leg injury as he scored a try just before half-time against South Africa, while Hugo Keenan started on the bench as Ireland looked for the total 15 minute performance they needed.

It didn't quite come, however, despite what was a brave effort.

It took Fiji less than 30 seconds to score their first try. Iosefo Baleiwairiki all too easily glided away from the Irish cover and scored from a run that originated in his own half, Iowane Teba clipped over the extras.

Ireland had to respond and had an opportunity when Baleiwairiki caught Zac Ward high in the tackle. Ireland's penalty found touch in Fiji's 22 and while the men in green lost the lineout, a knock-on gave them another chance to attack with two minutes 30 of the half remaining.

Gavin Mullin spread the ball wide and while Chay Mullins couldn't force his way over, Terry Kennedy pounced on the loose ball to score - though Mark Roche missed with the conversion attempt.

Ireland kept the pressure on through Niall Comerford and Kennedy, who earned his side another penalty in Fiji's 22 - and Kennedy's charge opened the door, with Mullins feeding Mullin to cross for his second try.

It was a difficult conversion attempt for Roche, who was again off-target, but Ireland led 10-7 at the break.

New Zealand caught Ireland cold at the start of the second half in their pool game, but this time Topping's charges stayed focused and a superb move saw them advance from their own 22 into Fiji's, before Ward somehow found room to get over in the corner for a 15-7 lead with five minutes to go.

Fiji had to reply and did so, mirroring Ireland's sweeping attack from deep in their own half to score through Joji Nasova to cut the deficit.

Disaster struck from the restart. Keenan failed to gather and Baleiwairiki chested it down for Waisea Nacuqu to put the Fijians ahead.

With time up on the clock, Ireland tried to muster a last-saloon attack to turn the tables and clinch a famous victory.

Hugo Lennox had a pass intercepted, but the play came back for a penalty advantage and then another for a breakdown infringement.

Ireland forced their way into their opponents' half but a loose pass by Terry Kennedy proved fatal, as the grateful Fijians kicked to touch to end the contest.

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