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Aussie sevens boys flex their muscles

Australia have scored 162 points to seven in their three pool games at the rugby sevens Olympic qualifier in Auckland.

Australia's rugby sevens team have underlined their Olympic claims by blitzing all-comers on the opening day of the Oceania regional qualifier in Auckland.

The Thunderbolts easily swatted aside Nauru (62-0), Cook Islands (46-7) and Tonga (54-0) to be in perfect shape for Sunday's knockout action.

Tonga were expected to provide the most competition in pool action but were never in the third hit-out as Australian captain Ed Jenkins crossed after just 20 seconds.

The world No.5-ranked Thunderbolts went on to run in eight converted tries to send an ominous warning to main qualifying rival Samoa.

The two unbeaten sides are on a collision course in the final at the eight-nation tournament where only the final's victor will book a spot at next year's Rio Games.

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Samoa swept aside Solomon Islands (48-0), American Samoa (50-0) and Papua New Guinea (41-7).

As well as posting the most points (162) on day one and only conceding one try, caretaker Australian coach Tim Walsh - who gave all 12 players match action - can be well pleased at avoiding any injuries.

Australia's women's team, coached by Walsh, has already qualified for Rio.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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