US, Australia rowers in final after thrilling battle

Australia also had to race in the repechage — where teams that failed in the heats get another chance to qualify — after finishing last in their opening race when their rudder jammed, causing the boat to veer suddenly into another lane.

But both crews looked to have returned to form on Tuesday.

The U.S. crew flew out of the blocks and led for the first 1,000 meters before Australia hit their rhythm and took the lead coming into the final stretch.

The United States, who stunned the favorites Canada in Athens to win their first men’s eight Olympic gold in 40 years, then pushed back to hold on till the line.

They will face Britain and World Champions Canada in the blue riband final on Sunday, the last race of the regatta, along with Australia, the Netherlands and Poland, who just beat crowd-favorites China for the final spot.

Another Olympic favorite, Germany’s Kathrin Boron, was also celebrating on Tuesday after guiding her women’s quad into Sunday’s final to continue her push for a fifth Olympic gold rowing medal.

Germany beat their nearest competitors, the U.S., by around a length to qualify for the final, where they will face joint favorites Britain and China for the title.

In the last race of the day, the Chinese women’s pair held on to win their repechage ahead of Germany, to the delight of the flag-waving home crowd.