It was a baptism of fire under the Middle Eastern sun for Wales last time out, their pool consisting of eventual finalists USA and New Zealand, as well as the experienced Spaniards. However, a winless day one was followed by a winning second day, with Richie Pugh’s side showing what they were capable of with positive results against Zimbabwe and Japan.Â
Saturday’s pool D opponents are Australia (round one semi-finalists), Scotland and Canada – all well established sides on the World Series. Wales, the second least-capped side in Dubai, wouldn’t have it any other way, with sevens now playing a key role in player development, and coming up against top-flight opposition in front of big crowds is key to that.Â
The WRU is now increasing the exposure promising young players will get to the high intensity of the World Series, a tournament which has played a significant role in the careers of men such as Justin Tipuric, Alex Cuthbert, and more recent Wales caps like Luke Morgan and Sam Cross.Â
VIDEO: Watch Ben Jones’s try against Japan here.Â
Against New Zealand last Saturday, Wales more than held their own in the first half, and it was only due to some unfortunate errors that the Kiwis pounced to eventually run out 28-7 winners. With six players completely new to the World Series environment, Wales showed glimpses of what they can do throughout the weekend, with 18-year-old Jay Jones increasingly backing himself as the competition wore on.Â
The inexperience of the squad was countered by veterans such as captain Luke Treharne, who scored five tries and played almost every minute in Dubai (whilst Owen Jenkins played an almost equal amount of minutes).Â
VIDEO: Watch Cai Devine’s incredible try-saver against France here.
Unluckily for Wales and the player himself, Scarlets’ Ryan Conbeer – outstanding in last summer’s World Rugby U20 Championship – suffered an injury only minutes into their first game in Dubai. He was replaced by Dragons’ Joe Goodchild, whose spot as a travelling reserve will be filled by regional teammate George Gasson this weekend.
Nonetheless, there is enough talent and work ethic throughout this Wales side to produce more moments of brilliance in South Africa this weekend.Â
Saturday’s Pool D Fixtures (all times GMT), live on Sky Sports:
Australia v Wales, 08:37Â
Scotland v Wales, 11:36
Canada v Wales, 14:57
Wales Sevens – Core Players: Afon Bagshaw (Vice-Captain), Cai Devine, Owen Jenkins, Jay Jones, Ben Roach, Luke Treharne (Captain). Cardiff Blues: Dane Blacker, Ben Jones. Dragons: Taine Basham, George Gasson, Joe Goodchild, Will Talbot-Davies. Scarlets: Tomi Lewis.Â
