USA Sevens fielding several of the Rugby World Cup 2007 side kept a tight rein on the lively Wales Sevens side but in the end, the Eagles were unable to stop the men in red running in the tries.
Wales, however, had to work hard in the first half and were level at the interval with the scoreline at 7-7 after USA cap Chris Wyles had replied to an earlier try by Dragons centre Gareth Chapman, converted by Ospreys’ Martin Roberts. Then in the second half Wales made the pressure tell with two tries from Scarlets’ Lee Williams and a final effort from replacement Nick Wakely, the Dragons centre to finish comfortable winners.
Wales were locked at 7-7 at half time before they eased clear in their opening game. Fellow Pool C opponents Samoa needed a try from Alafoti Fa’osiliva with the last play of the match to beat Kenya 24-19.
Wales Sevens Squad: Johnathan Edwards (Scarlets, Captain), Richie Pugh (Unattached), James Merriman (Neath), Nick Wakeley (Newport), James Harris (Dragons), Lee Williams (Scarlets), Martin Roberts (Ospreys), Gareth Owen (Ospreys), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Gareth Chapman (Dragons), Aled Brew (Ospreys), James Lewis (Ebbw Vale)
Wales Sevens off to a flyer in Dubai
Wales Sevens made an encouraging start on the first day of the Dubai Sevens with an opening tie win over USA Sevens by 22-7.