“We’re delighted to have made the semi-final this weekend in Dubai. In preparing for this tournament, we’ve had a small group of 13 players – six of whom have been with us for just over three weeks prior to travelling to Dubai – which makes this achievement all the more pleasing.
“It was a very mature performance against Australia in the quarter-final, with some brilliant defensive displays to defend a two-point lead in the last minute. I got it wrong against South Africa in the semi-final: we seemed to get stuck between two tactical approaches against the most experienced side in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. We would execute the first stage effectively, but the transition phase to get into our more expansive style of play failed us. All I can think about as a result of that match is, ‘when we meet South Africa at the same stages for a Commonwealth medal in 18 months’ time, this scenario will not happen again’.
“It’s been a fantastic start for us. But it’s important not to get carried away; we realise there is so much work to do, both on and off the field, to establish ourselves consistently in these latter stages.
“There’s a real ambition and belief within the group to continue the good work next week when we move to Cape Town. I would like to congratulate the squad on helping Ethan Davies get selected for the Team of the Tournament. Ethan has been with us for just over a year, along with playing for Cross Keys, and his development has been brilliant.”
The squad work hard to improve as a collective, but also to support each other as individuals to get better.”
Wales Sevens will play in the Cape Town leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on 10th December – 11th December. For more information on their Pool D draw, click here.
