Commonwealth Games: Uganda & Australia Rugby 7s sides settle for stalemate

By Sports Desk

Uganda and Australia Rugby Sevens settled for a 12-12 draw during their second game of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games played at the Coventry Stadium.

It was a good response for Uganda who had lost the opener against Kenya by 27-14. Meanwhile, Australia had beaten Jamaica 62-00 in the other opening game of Group D.

Against Uganda, Australia crossed the whitewash first when Nick Malouf pounced on a lose ball to pick up a try. His effort wasn’t converted.

Uganda’s response came moments before the first half when Desire Ayera ran in a try under the sticks. Philip Wokorach converted and the Cranes led 05-07 at halftime.

In the second half, Uganda would have stretched their lead but Mark Nawaqanitawase who came off the bench put off a crucial try saving tackle.

Moments later, Australia capitalized on a mistake from Uganda and Harry Hutchinson ran in a try under the post. The conversion was good.

The Aussies would later go down to six men after a yellow card was given to Maurice Longbottom.

Moments later, Australia further went down to five men after a yellow card was given to Dietrich Roache and Uganda capitalized on their numbers advantage to slot home from the edge of the turf thanks to a try from Philip Wokorach who however couldn’t convert.

With scores even (12-12), Uganda missed a penalty attempt in the final play which would have earned them victory.

Action returns tomorrow where Uganda will be taking on underdogs Jamaica while the Aussies will come up against Kenya Shujaa. This will be the final group stage matches and it is the same with other groups.