The fixtures couldn’t have been tougher for Wales, drawn as they were with Australia (34-5), Fiji (29-7) and England (45-0) – all in the world’s top ten. When Jaz Joyce scored against the hosts, she ensured that Wales did something no other side managed to do when the Aussies clinched the Sydney Sevens title at the start of the season. Wales’ other try, against Fiji – and again by Joyce – was no less impressive.Â
“We are loving the experience out here. Not only is this tournament going to be one they remember forever but they are learning so much,” said Wakley. “They have never experienced playing Australia and Fiji: two totally different styles of sevens, but ones they have to learn to adapt to.
“Our game against England was frustrating as we have had the clear message that this weekend is all about a life experience and expressing ourselves, but when you pay a team like England too much respect they will punish you.”
Wakley wants his team to look ahead and forget the manner of those defeats. “We have put those ghosts to bed and are now excited about playing another two international teams tomorrow, when we can test ourselves and our resolve.” That first game comes in the early hours of the morning, as Wales take on Kenya in the 5th-8th placing (00:53).
Needless to say, he is proud of his players’ efforts, particularly since they are competing against teams that are regulars on the World Rugby Sevens Series. “The adversity they have overcome with preparation and injuries, and how this team is still together and still wanting to learn and improve also makes me proud,” says the former Wales Sevens player. “We still have another opportunity after this with the World Series in Paris, where the team will once again be exposed to this world-class level of competition.”
