Saturday, August 16, 2008 - 8:14 PM

The Australian team has taken silver behind Great Britain in the men's fours in the rowing competition at the Beijing Olympics.

The rookie quartet of Matt Ryan, James Marburg, Cameron Mckenzie-Mcharg and Francis Hegerty were mowed down by the more experienced British team of Tom James, Steve Williams, Pete Reed and Andrew Triggs Hodge.

It is Great Britain's third successive Olympics gold in the discipline.

The French team of Julien Despres, Benjamin Rondeau, Germain Chardin and Dorian Mortelette finished third.