PARIS — A stout Australian defense bottled up the U.S. for much of Thursday night as the Eagles fell 18-0 in the rugby sevens quarterfinals.
The U.S. will play for fifth place Saturday morning in a consolation bracket matchup against Ireland.
The Australians moved on to the semifinals and will play Fiji on Saturday.
"Walking away without a medal, that's not good enough, man," American wing Perry Baker told NBC News moments after the loss at Stade de France.
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James Turner, Corey Toole and Maurice Longbottom recorded tries for Australia, which is seeking to atone for a disappointing quarterfinal exit at the hands of Fiji in Tokyo three years ago.
Australia also bowed out in the quarterfinals in Rio.
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“There’s plenty of unfinished business,” Australian captain Nick Malouf said after the match. “I’m real glad that we’re going to be in the hunt for a medal and hopefully make Australia proud.”
Earlier in the day, Baker’s four tries led the U.S. to a 33-17 victory over Uruguay, advancing the Americans out of pool play. But that offensive rhythm was nowhere to be found by nightfall against the Australians.
“We get a turnover and we give it right back,” Webster said. “Ball-handling issues, man, that’s just the bottom line.”
