RIO DE JANEIRO _ The U.S. women's rugby team advanced to the quarterfinals Sunday, following a 12-12 draw against top-seeded Australia in the final round of pool play.
The American side, which won only one match in the group rounds, had was ahead 12-5 as time expired on the stadium clock. In keeping with the sport's rules, Australia was allowed to finish the play and Emma Tonegato pushed her way into the try zone to bring the Aussies within two points. Chloe Dalton scored the conversion, tying the game and securing her country's first-place finish in group play.
The United States played a strong second half, with wing Jessica Javelet scoring two tries. Despite the draw, the American side's performance should serve as a confidence booster as they face perennial powerhouse New Zealand in a quarterfinal match Sunday evening.
"We need to come out and show the same stuff that we did today," said U.S. wing Jessica Javelet, who both tries for the American.
This weekend marked the debut of Olympic rugby sevens. The game was last played in the 1924 Olympics, when men played the sport's 15-a-side version.
