GRR on X  GRR on Facebook GRR in Instagram GRR Vimeo Library GRR on YouTube RuggaMatrix America Podcasts Support GRR on Patreon

Olympic Repechage - Some Surprises on Day One

irish rugby tours

Olympic Repechage - Some Surprises on Day One

Canada's Phil Mack gets taken down. Martin Seras Lima photo.

It's down to one day for eight men's Rugby 7s teams in the quest for a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games.

The first day of the Repechage Tournament in Monaco is in the books and there have been plenty of surprises. Namely, Canada was beaten 21-19 by Germany. The Canadians led 19-14 after a try from Conor Trainor and a conversion from Nathan Hirayama. But with time almost up, Sebastian Fromm went over and Fabian Heimpel kicked the conversion to win the game for the Germans.

Photos by Martin Seras Lima courtesy of World Rugby.

2016 Olympic Repechage - Martin Seras Lima photo
Disappointing for Canada and jubilation for Germany.

2016 Olympic Repechage - Martin Seras Lima photo
Joshua Rowland was a big scorer for Ireland.

2016 Olympic Repechage - Martin Seras Lima photo
Mexico scores through Miguel Carner, but couldn't get a win.

Canada captain John Moonlight was disappointed.

"We have to step it up tomorrow," he said. "This is a very competitive tournament and we need to stay focused and apply our game.” 

And Ireland defeated Samoa 27-21 behind two tries from Joshua Rowland, which were part of a three-try surge that put Ireland in control. Russia went 3-0, beating Chile in the process, and Hong Kong was also undefeated.

Along with Canada, Mexico represented North America, and the Serpientes were competitive, but finished the day 0-3. 

So your top eight are still in with a shot. All four pools went the expect 3-0, 2-1, 1-2, 0-3, meaning there was no need for points difference or anything to dash someone's hopes. The first two from each pool are in the quarterfinals and retain a chance for that one Olympics spot.

Sunday's quarterfinal matchups are:

Ireland v Spain
Russia v Canada
Hong Kong v Samoa
Germany v Chile

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco are expected to be in attendance for Sunday's action.