Featured Image Credit: Instagram/worldrugby7s/aussie7s
Topics: Australia, Rugby Union, Rugby League, NRL
Max Sherry
Topics: Australia, Rugby Union, Rugby League, NRL
Henry Paterson, take a bow.
The 25-year-old was the man of the hour for Australia, scoring a sensational hat-trick in the Cup final of the London Sevens to help his country clinch gold.
Australia secured a 19-14 golden point victory over age-old rivals New Zealand thanks to a sublime showing from Paterson.
Not only did he bag the winning try in extra-time, capping off a brilliant hat-trick, but he also came up with a match-winning try-saving tackle on Kiwi star Caleb Tangitau.
Advert
It came as no surprise to see Paterson, AKA 'Patto', named HSBC Player of the Final.
His remarkable outing comes almost 12 months after an injury meant he was cruelly denied a spot on Australia's Olympic team heading to Japan.
Now, one year on, Paterson has produced a performance for the ages which will have undoubtedly gotten the attention of union and league scouts Down Under.
Advert
"Just stoked, just over the moon, it was a full team performance," Paterson said at full-time.
"We all chipped in and luckily we got there right at the end."
Paterson effortlessly carved through the New Zealand defence throughout the back-and-forth encounter, joining an elite group of Aussie players to score a treble of tries on the international stage.
Advert
Interestingly, though, it was one particular effort in defence which he's most fond of.
Asked of his favourite moment in the final, Paterson replied: "Probably the try-saver, keep the coaches happy. We like to pride ourselves in defence so I'll go with that one."
Overall, it was a historic day for the boys in green and gold.
Advert
It was the first time Australia has beaten New Zealand in a Cup final in 20 years, first time Australia has won a Cup final since the Sydney Sevens in 2018 and the first time Australia has been victorious at Twickenham since 2010.
“We spoke about getting to work today, putting in a tradesman-like performance, and some of the efforts, all over the field, throughout the day, just can’t be prouder of everyone’s efforts,” captain Nick Malouf said.
“We’ve worked so hard for this and I’m just glad we finally got the reward that I feel like we’ve deserved.”