Anthony Elliott (2) and Joe Simpson put England Sevens ahead in the Bowl Final of the South African leg of the IRB World Sevens Series, but Wales Sevens stormed back to claim their first silverware of the 2007-2008 season. It the final act in a day of last gasp heroics after Wales Sevens had been run close in both the quarter and semi-finals of the Bowl competition.
IRB Audio: Dai Rees discusses the George Sevens
Wales Sevens nearly let the lead slip in their Bowl Quarter-final against Tunisia. Leading 31-5 comfortably, three tries in quick succession from Tunisia Sevens prompted a brief revival that ultimately came up just short of the final whistle.
It was a similar story again in the Bowl Semi-final when Wales Sevens needed a sudden death try by James Lewis to progress to face England Sevens. Tries by Loic Mazieres and Eddy Labarthe brought France Sevens back to the brink of victory at 17-17 after Wales Sevens had led 17-5 at half-time before Lewis’s unconverted effort saved the day.
With two tournaments and a first trophy in the cabinet, Wales Sevens now have two months off before returning to IRB Sevens action in the New Zealand Sevens leg of the IRB World Sevens Series in Wellington in February 2008. Fixture information and a tournament schedule will be announced shortly.
