Wales had the honour of playing in the first tie of the 2008/09 IRB World Series on day 1 of the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens at the new Sevens Stadium but also had the difficulty of facing the defending champions, New Zealand.
In the event New Zealand showed why they are title holders with a polished and powerful display that showed their sevens pedigree to run in two tries for a 14-0 half time lead.
The Sevens All Blacks continued their relentless effort to add a further two scores – both converted – before Wales finally engineered a productive effort that ended with replacement Damien Welch touching down and Jason Tovey converting to make the final score 28-7 in favour of New Zealand.
Qualification for the Cup quarter finals required Wales to defeat Australia in their second tie. It looked hopeful as skipper James Merriman completed a good move with an unconverted try but two touchdowns in reply gave Australia a 10-5 interval advantage.
Wales then took a 12-10 lead with the conversion of a second half try by Rodney McAtee but again Australia hit back with two scores.
A late try by James Lewis provided scant consolation for Wales who knew that their Cup chances had gone.
Then in the final tie with Zimbabwe Wales stepped up their game against the pacy east Africans, dominating the first half to score unanswered tries by Tal Selley, Dai Flannagan, and Chris Davies for a 19-0 half time lead. But two tries by Zimbabwe put pressure on Wales, eased, however, with a late score from Wales by Damien Welch for a 26-12 win,
Afterwards Wales coach Paul John admitted: “It was difficult for what is a new squad. But we showed glimpses of what we can do. I thought we played well at times but we want to improve our performances in the quarters”.
Wales Sevens Squad : James Merriman (capt, Neath), David Flanagan (Blues), James Lewis (Dragons), Tal Selley (Dragons), Jimmy Norris (Dragons), Jason Tovey (Dragons), Rhodri McAtee (Cornish Pirates), Dave Evans (Neath), Tom Isaacs (Newport), Damien Welch (Cardiff), Chris Davies (Aberavon), Craig Hill (Newport)
