Paris Olympics 2024 LIVE updates: Men’s rugby 7s through to the quarters after Argentina scare; Matildas to face Germany (2024)

The French are about to run on for their final game of the group stage.

The atmosphere is incredible out here at the Stade de France. The Aussies will be watching closely. If France lose, and do so by three points or less, they will play Australia in the quarter-finals.

Had a chat with Australian men’s sevens captain Nick Malouf after the game about the performance of rugby league-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase. Safe to say he knew a couple of rugby league reporters when he saw them.

“I don’t think anyone was shocked with what he can do, that’s why you blokes (rugby league media) are licking your lips that you’re taking him,” he said.

“He’s a great talent. That’s why we’ve got him. We want impact off the bench and that’s what he gave us. Anyone who watches rugby knows what he can offer.

“I try not to get too involved [in selections]. We trust John. He’s led us to where we are and got us in the right place to be firing now. We trust him and welcome the guys he picks. If you look at that performance, Mark has earned his spot and we’re absolutely stoked to have him with us.”

Transport blunders and delays are causing problems for athletes, including Australians, in Paris.

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Australia’s Chef de Mission Anna Meares is raising it with Games organisers, saying the delays have caused Australians to miss out on physio and recovery sessions.

In one case, the Australian hockey team was taken to the rugby stadium because a bus bound for rugby’s Stade de France was parked in the hockey bay.

“The hockey boys got on the hockey bus, but then the bus went to the rugby stadium,” she said.

The delays have also meant that the buses can be crowded and hot. Swimmer Jenna Forrester posted a photograph of Australian athletes crouched in the aisle of a bus, under the caption, “buses are tight”.

Meares said the problem was facing all nations, and was typical of teething problems that occur at the beginning of most Games.

“It’s less than ideal,” she said. “The performance environment of our athletes is absolutely critical. So the quicker we can find some resolution to the transport, the better.”

Crushing news here in France for Australian Opals basketball star Rebecca Allen, who has been ruled out of the Games after aggravating a hamstring injury during a practice match.

Allan is renowned for her toughness; she played with broken ribs during the Opals’ bronze medal campaign last year.

“I have been looking forward to these Games for a long time and am absolutely devastated but I will now focus my energies on recovery and supporting my Opals sisters,” Allen said on Thursday.

Amy Atwell was named as her replacement. The Opals open their Olympic campaign against Nigeria in Lille on Monday.

Stade de France: Sydney Roosters-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase came on the field in the dying minutes of the game and had an immediate impact.

He entered the field with his team leading 15-14 with two-and-a-half minutes remaining.

He then played a significant part in setting up Australia’s fourth try to captain Nick Malouf and seal a 22-14 win for the Australians, who finish on top of Pool B with that win.

Stade de France: Could they spare a thought for the poor bloggers here, that match came at us faster than we could keep up.

The good news is that Australia has defeated Argentina 22-14 to top Pool B with three wins from three matches and book a quarter-final spot.

That match will happen tomorrow morning at 6.30am (AEST). A perfect follow-up to those of you still up and about after the Matildas’ match.

The Aussies have made it three straight tries. This time it was Dietrich Roache who showed his speed and strength to get over the try line from a scrum.

This has been a dream couple of minutes for Aussie coach John Manenti.

Australia has missed three straight conversion attempts, limiting their lead to just 15-7 with just under five minutes remaining.

Stade de France: It’s a bit early for the Mexican wave but the French fans are passing the time waiting for their national team.

Among the 69,000-strong crowd is Aussie swim star Kaylee McKeown. At least it looked like her in the little snippet we saw on the big screen.