“We want to finish the season on a high,” said Wales Sevens coach, Paul John, adding: “We have to reach the same status as we did this weekend. But the first thing will be getting out of the group.”
Wales knew they would have a hard match in the Cup quarter finals against a France side that finished top of their group on Saturday and in the event the tie proved to be a tough game that was not settled until late into the second half.
At half time the teams were level at 7-7, Wales’ try having been scored by Adam Thomas and converted by Gareth Davies, and France having replied with a converted try from playmaker Paul Albaladjo, whose father was a celebrated drop goal expert from the Tricolors
Second half tries from skipper Jevon Groves and Alex Cuthbert and a conversion from Davies to a touchdown by Jean Baptiste Gobolet ensured Wales’ progression into the Cup semi finals to meet South Africa.
The Boks had beaten Australia 17-0 in the quarter finals and had been the only side in the pool stages to threaten in-form Fiji. In the event South Africa showed their strength by dominating first half possession to lead 14-0 at the break.
But in a heroic second half fight back Wales levelled the scores at 14-14 with tries from Jevon Groves, Alex Cuthbert only for South Africa to grab a third try and conversion for a 21-14 lead. In a final effort Wales conjured up a try in the corner for Kristian Phillips but the touchline conversion attempt by Gareth Davies was just wide leaving Wales with a 19-21 defeat.
“We were starved of possession for the first seven minutes and that made it difficult. But when we got ball in the second half the boys put in a tremendous effort to get back on even terms,” said John. “And to be within a kick of levelling it at the end shows how well we’ve played this weekend”.
The London Sevens marked another major triumph for New Zealand who have dominated world sevens since the series started.
New Zealand had been expected to be challenged by England at London and Edinburgh but England’s flop at Twickenham killed off their challenge leaving New Zealand to cruise to an earlier-than-expected World Series title triumph, the Kiwis confirming their champions status after defeating Argentina in the quarter finals.
Overall South Africa emerged as the London winners after beating Fiji in a quality final
