The Manu Samoa men’s Sevens’ hopes of competing for gold at the Tokyo Olympics next month have been left in tatters after they were trounced by a strong French outfit 31 points to 0 this morning.

The men’s team showed strong early promise during qualifying games for the Monaco-based Repechage tournament for the Tokyo Olympics before things went south. 

The boys in blue were off to a flying start on the first day of the tournament defeating Mexico 69-5, followed by another convincing victory over Tonga by 47-5, before dispensing Zimbabwe in their third pool match by 33-7.  

But then Samoa was dealt its first loss of the tournament dealt by Ireland 21 – 0 in their last head to head in the last match for Pool A.

Despite the setback the team still managed to progress to the qualifier semi-finals where they were pitted against France.

The Manu could not cope with a strong French attacking side and they were well and truly overpowered when it came to rucking and competing at the breakdown. 

Frustration seemed to be Samoa’s downfall as they struggled to score and put any points on the board.

The French side went on to meet Ireland in the final after the strong Ireland squad defeated Hong Kong 28-5 in their semi-final match. 

Ireland proved too much for France, defeating them 28-19, securing their place at this year’s Olympic Sevens.