France’s Antoine Dupont played a pivotal role in leading his team to a historic 28-7 victory over two-time Olympic champions Fiji in an intense rugby sevens final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Dupont, widely regarded as one of the best 15-a-side players in the world, came off the bench to score two tries and create another, marking Fiji’s first ever Olympic loss. The packed Stade de France crowd erupted with joy as Les Bleus secured their first gold medal of the Paris Games.
The thrilling final began with Fiji taking an early lead as Joseva Talacolo scored a try under the posts within the first minute of play. However, France quickly responded, with Jefferson-Lee Joseph touching down after a well-timed pass from Andy Timo. French coach Jerome Daret strategically kept Dupont on the bench for most of the game but unleashed him at half-time, resulting in an immediate impact on the field.
Dupont showcased his exceptional speed and playmaking abilities, outrunning Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai to create a try for Aaron Grandidier Nkanang. In a dramatic turn of events, Dupont sealed the victory for France with a quick tap penalty and a try under the posts, setting the Stade de France crowd into a frenzy. President Emmanuel Macron was also in attendance to witness Dupont’s stellar performance on the field.
The decision to focus on winning Olympic sevens gold by skipping the Six Nations tournament paid off for Dupont, as he played a crucial role in securing France’s historic victory. In the bronze medal match, South Africa emerged victorious over Australia in a hard-fought battle. World Rugby executives have praised the Paris Olympics as a significant moment for rugby sevens, estimating a massive turnout of up to 550,000 fans at the Stade de France for both men’s and women’s tournaments.
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin expressed satisfaction with the exciting tournament, culminating in a dream final between the hosts and the dominant sevens champions, Fiji. The women’s rugby sevens event is set to kick off the following day, with Australia and New Zealand anticipated as strong contenders for the gold medal. As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continue, the success of the rugby sevens competition has highlighted the growing popularity and global appeal of the sport, showcasing thrilling matches and exceptional talent on the field.
