The fourth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Wellington, proved a tough proposition for Paul John’s side.
Richard Smith and James Davies picked up knocks en route to Wales winning the Shield final 21-26 against Tonga. As a result Wales have had to send for re-enforcements for this weekend’s fifth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas with Matthew Pewtner, Sam Cross and Ifan Evans joining the squad.
With Wales picking up only three points in Wellington, they have slipped down the pecking order in the overall series standings to ninth with 34 points while New Zealand lead the way with 77.
Having finished bottom of their group on day one, Wales failed to qualify for the main draw and ended up in the Bowl on day two at the Westpac Stadium. The quarter-final against France was over by halftime with the Frenchmen racing to a 21-0 lead.
Jason Harries and Richie Pugh scored second half tries but the damage had already been done and Wales lost 33-12 to be dumped into the Shield competition.
Wales had to overcome an early scare before gaining a 17-15 victory over USA in the semi-final. Tonga looked to have the final wrapped up, racing out to a 21-0 in the first half before tries by Luke Morgan, Will Price, Rhys Shellard and Lee Williams saw Wales stage a remarkable fightback. Rhys Jones’ three conversions also proved crucial.
It doesn’t get any easier in Las Vegas with Wales finding themselves in the same group as series leaders New Zealand, France and Argentina who have gained their only two tournament successes in America – in 2004 and 2009.
Wales squad: Will Thomas, Rhys Jones, Lee Williams, Luke Morgan, Alex Webber, Will Price, Ifan Evans, Sam Cross, Mathew Pewtner, Richie Pugh, Adam Thomas, Jason Harries.
