Australia's men's rugby sevens team have survived some early nerves to beat Samoa 21-14 as Olympic action got underway in Paris.
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Disaster loomed in what was essentially a must-win game to open the competition at Stade de France on Wednesday, after a long, looping Dietrich Roache pass was intercepted to give Samoa an early lead.
John Manenti's side, seeking to go beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in the sport's third Games appearance, had the fumbles in a clunky first half.
Henry Hutchison skipped through a tackle on halftime to level things at 7-7 before two pinpoint passes put Nathan Lawson away for the go-ahead try early in the second half.
More good defence held off the Samoans before Hutchison's second try sealed the result, a Samoa five-pointer on the bell only a consolation.
"You saw the crowd; crazy, amazing atmosphere and we probably started the game just a bit too excited," Roache said.
"We had a bit of the jitters out there but the boys got back into the game.
"It (the intercept pass) was all my fault; I didn't look up and went to throw it to little Mozza (Maurice Longbottom) and looped it a bit too much.
"Not the way I wanted to start, but glad the boys stayed in there for me."
NRL-bound former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase was only deployed in the final minutes and had limited involvement.
"I wasn't on there long but to feel the crowd, it was second to none," the Sydney Roosters-bound winger said.
"The start was a bit nerve-wracking (on the sideline) ... my time will come but I'll do whatever's needed."
The Australians, who are among the many medal chances, face Kenya later on Wednesday (Thursday, 0300 AEST) in a danger game before meeting world series standouts Argentina in their final pool game on Thursday.
The top two sides in each group and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarter-finals on Thursday night, with the medals decided on Saturday.
Victory over Kenya would likely secure Australia a top-two spot as the Africans were beaten 31-12 by Argentina in the second game of the day.
Hosts France will be powered by 15-a-side French captain and halfback Antoine Dupont, who has emerged as one of the faces of the Games.
Australian Associated Press
