Paul John’s men won the Plate in Australia last year but a repeat was always going to be difficult when drawn in the same pool as Argentina, France and Portugal. With 15 core teams now competing at the highest level the series is now stronger than ever before.
The fact Wales missed out on making the second day’s main draw because of an inferior points difference to France and Argentina who all recorded two wins from three matches on day one proves how tight the competition is.
Wales were also made to work hard on day two in the Bowl quarter final against United States.
The Americans opened the scoring through a converted try to Luke Hume but Wales’s leading try scorer in last season’s campaign, Richard Smith hit back immediately. Tom Williams, in his debut tournament, put Wales ahead with a touchdown before USA’s Brett Thompson put his side in front with Tai Enosa adding the extras.
Wales were staring down the barrel when Maka Unufe crossed the whitewash but second half tries by Will Price, Lee Williams and James Davies eased nerves for Wales to record a 27-19 victory and set up a semi-final clash with Spain.
The score was deadlocked 12-12 at halftime with Lee Williams and Tom Williams crossing for Wales in the first spell. Tom Williams added a second early in the second half after Spain got off to a flier with a try through Pablo Feijoo. When Pablo Martin crossed there was clear daylight between the two teams and Wales could find no way back.
As a result, Wales could only pick up five points from the opening round to find themselves in 11th place overall. It doesn’t get any easier for the second round of the HSBC Sevens World Series, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on 30 November-1 December where they have been drawn alongside New Zealand, Argentina and Russia.
Gold Coast Sevens results:
Wales 19 Portugal 12
Wales 19 France 17
Wales 5 Argentina 17
QF Bowl
Wales 27 USA 19
SF Bowl
Wales 17 Spain 26
 
 
 
