Wales target Hong Kong Sevens glory

Mar 28 2008 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

THERE is scarcely a bigger stage for sevens rugby than Hong Kong and tonight the spotlight will be on the former British colony once again.

The fifth tournament of this season’s IRB World Sevens Series starts with Wales up against Zimbabwe in a group also containing Fiji and Korea.

“Zimbabwe are an unknown quantity, but the first game in the Hong Kong tournament is always very difficult,” said Wales coach Gareth Baber.

“The key for us is securing possession and that means being aggressive at the breakdown.”

The Hong Kong tournament, unlike the seven others in the IRB World Sevens circuit, has a unique 24-team format and is played over three days.

Two games tomorrow per nation will complete the pool rounds before the knockout stages on Sunday.

Wales were the Plate winners in Hong Kong last year, and Baber added, “Our aim is to finish in the top eight.”

Wales: J Edwards (capt, Scarlets), R Pugh (Cardiff), J Merriman (Neath), J Harris (Dragons), L Beech (Neath), T Riley (Blues), L Williams (Llanelli), R Lewis (Dragons), J Lewis (Dragons), A Brew (Scarlets), A Jenkins (Scarlets), G Owen (Ospreys).