Commonwealth Games beckon for Wales Sevens

Despite having the favourites in their Pool, James Hook has urged his side to rise to the occasion and cause a shock in Pool A. Wales take on tournament favourites New Zealand, Namibia and Kenya at the Telstra Dome on Thursday on Day One of the games. Sevens rugby has only just been re-introduced to Wales and after encouraging displays in the Dubai Sevens and Georgetown, Hook feels as if the squad can surprise a few people and reach the last eight.

To do that they will probably have to beat Kenya and Namibia but as Hook admits they haven’t given up hope of causing a major shock and beating the All Blacks. He said: “New Zealand is a tough game for us but we shouldn’t be negative about the game.

“It is a great opportunity for us to put down a marker and show people what we can do. We have to rise to the occasion and play our game. Playing in front of 65,000 is something that most of aren’t used to and we have to take as much from it as possible. We have some talented players in out squad and it is a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills. This is sevens rugby and anything is possible.”

The 12-man squad will be coached by Dai Rees who is bullish about his side’s chances, and despite the relative inexperience of his squad he is confident of a last eight sport. He said: “Realistically we want to reach the quarter-finals but I think we can go further.

“There are people in this squad that have a point to prove and this is the perfect opportunity for them to do so. Rhys Williams has had a disappointing season by his own standards and he can’t wait to get cracking.

“At the same time we have players like James Hook who are coming through the ranks and want to show that one day they are up to pulling on the Welsh jersey. This is the perfect opportunity to do that. Not many of them will have had played in front of such a large crowd but they are all desperate to get out and play and that is a good sign.”

Wales Sevens: Rhys Oakley, Tal Selley, Gareth Wyatt, James Merriman, James Hook, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Jonathan Edwards, Rhodri Mcatee, Jonathan Vaughton, Richie Pugh (capt), Rhys Williams, Wayne Evans