Australian men's four into rowing final

Australia have laid down the challenge to four-time Olympic rowing champions Great Britain with an emphatic victory in the semi-finals of the men's four at Lagoa Stadium.

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.

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.