Australia has nabbed a silver medal in the men’s quadruple sculls, a first on day six of the Rio Games.

The team — made up of Karsten Forsterling, Alexander Belonogoff, Cameron Girdlestone and James McRae — were favourites for the gold medal, but missed out to Germany who defended their London 2012 title.

Australia’s quadruple skulls crew with silver on the podium. Photo: Getty/Patrick Smith

The Australians qualified a boat in the quads for Australia after finishing second at last year’s World Championships.

The event was originally scheduled for day five of the Games but was postponed due to rough weather conditions.

The German crew of Philip Wende, Lauritz Schoof, Karl Schulze and Hans Gruhne led from the start on the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. They finished 1.15 seconds ahead of the Australians.

Estonia scored bronze.

McRae said the Germans’ race plan was superior.

“If we knew it was going to be such a strong headwind we might have altered the gearing but the Germans’ race plan was best on the day,” McRae said.

“They’re world and Olympic champions and they had to do something pretty special to beat us and they did that.”

Belonogoff said Olympic silver was still something to savour.

“It’s awesome to go home with a little souvenir.”
Alexander Belonogoff

Men’s four into final

Meanwhile the Australian men’s four are into the Olympic rowing final after winning their semi-final.

The Australians blitzed the field, leading from start to finish to win by over three seconds and book a place in Friday’s medal race.

Great Britain, who have won every gold medal in the event since 2000, won the other semi-final but the Australians were more than five seconds faster.

In the final of the men’s pair Australians Spencer Turrin and Alex Lloyd were no challenge for all-conquering Kiwis Eric Murray and Hamish Bond, who haven’t lost a race since 2009, finishing last.

Eric Murray (bow) and Hamish bond of New Zealand celebrate gold in the men’s pair. Photo: Getty/ Patrick Smith

The women’s eight, who were late inclusions in the field following the disqualification of Russia, missed the medal race after finishing last in their repechage.

But crew member Meaghan Volker said they were thrilled with their effort to only just miss the final with such a short preparation.

“It was incredible to row in the Olympic Games,” she said.

“It was an amazing rollercoaster but we’ve ridden every turn and to finish on that note we’re really pleased.”

-with AAP