Argentina next up for Wales Sevens

Yet Wales’s hopes of competing in the quarter finals of the Cup at the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens were cruelly dashed after an unexpected result in the penultimate pool tie of the first day. Against the odds Samoa rose to the occasion to defeat New Zealand. The knock on effect was that Wales finished equal with Samoa and New Zealand, with all three countries having achieved three wins in the pool stages.
 
Wales’s points difference ultimately was weaker, relegating them to third place in their Pool, as a result, Wales will play Argentina in the quarter finals of the Bowl.

Wales Sevens Coach Dai Rees was still upbeat: “The two wins today with what is a young squad was very pleasing. It shows the strength in depth of Welsh rugby. Over the competition we grew in confidence after our opening game against New Zealand. The players have certainly progressed their Sevens skills.”

Wales had faced New Zealand in their opening tie. In the event, Wales, after trailing 17-0 at the break showed their worth in the second half by matching the All Blacks in the try count, with touchdowns from Rhodri McAtee and Tom James for a 31-12 scoreline.

In their second match Wales achieved a superb 17-14 win over higher seeds, Samoa, with an impressive display of team work complemented by quality individual skills. Wales trailed 5-7 at the break after replying to an early Samoa score with a try by Dragons Academy player James Harris.

McAtee then used his pace and clever footwork to cross for his side’s second try, converted by Aled Thomas. Wales opened up a five point lead, stretched to ten when Jonathan Edwards ran in Wales’s third try. Samoa ate into Wales’s lead with a converted try but it was too late to affect the outcome.

Wales’s final match was against the Arabian Gulf and was an easy win for the Welsh team, 47-0.

Wales Sevens Squad: Rhodri McAtee (Penzance), Lee Williams (Scarlets Academy), Martyn Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Gareth Chapman (Dragons), Richard Mustoe (Ospreys), Tom James (Blues Academy), Aled Thomas (Dragons), Alec Jenkins (Scarlets Academy), Richard Pugh (Ospreys) captain, Jonathan Edwards (Llanelli RFC), James Harris (Dragons Academy), Lee Beach (Ospreys)

Results
New Zealand 31-12 Wales
Samoa 14-17 Wales
Wales 47-0 Arabian Gulf