The players responded to that result – one which could so easily have gone their way – with aplomb, first with a 17-17 draw against perennial Hong Kong favourites Fiji, then a 34-21 victory against Japan.
Luke Morgan’s comeback from a long injury lay-off almost defies belief. He has now scored 14 tries since making his return in Las Vegas in early March, three of which came against Fiji here in Hong Kong.
“The boys continued with their impressive displays of late in the draw with Fiji, and then that good result against Japan,” said head coach Gareth Williams, whose team won their first piece of silverware this season in Vancouver. “It is great to be going into the last minute of matches versus countries like New Zealand and Fiji being either in contention or in the lead. That is credit to the work that the players and staff have done this season.”
A year out from the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast of Australia, Williams says the potential growth within the squad is an exciting prospect. However, he isn’t getting carried away after the positive results of Day Two: “We are still realistic of the difficulties we face with such a small squad, but the spirit, desire and quality these boys demonstrate makes me proud. We were in a hugely difficult group, but are disappointed to not have got through to the Cup. That says a lot of the internal expectations these boys have of each other and of the group.”
Wales’ next game in the Hong Kong Sevens is against France in the Challenge Trophy Quarter-Finals at 02:52 GMT tomorrow morning.
