Back to back top 8 finishes for Scotland 7s

Scotland reached their second consecutive HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Quarter Final after an impressive first day in Cape Town.

Drawn in a Pool against Canada, Wales and Australia, Scotland secured qualification to the Cup competition with a game to spare with impressive victories over the Canadians and the Welsh.

The Scots were first to take to the field at Cape Town stadium and showed excellent control to overcome an experienced Canada side.

Robbie Fergusson, Glenn Bryce and Max McFarland all scored on the way to a 21-14 victory.

Up next were Wales and John Dalziel’s men showed confidence in their ability, running away 28-7 winners. McFarland scored for the second game on the bounce while Gavin Lowe, Scott Riddell and Jo Nayacavou also got in on the action.

Australia were the final opponents on day one with the winner taking top spot in Pool D. The Australians raced away to a commanding lead and tries from Fergusson and Harvey Elms couldn’t get Scotland back in the game as they lost 14-26.

Drawn against the hosts and World Series Champions South Africa in the Cup Quarter FInals, Scotland showed they were capable of going toe to toe with the best sides in the world.

Having lost 0-29 to the same opposition in Dubai a week prior, the Scots showed that lessons had been learned from that performance and were in the fight to the dying moments.

A double from Sam Pecqueur saw Scotland just two points behind, attacking in the final moments. However a turnover in possession and a devastating Blitzbok counter attack meant a tight game finished 12-21.

Sam Pecqueur was on the scoreboard again as Scotland faced Spain but they were unable to convert a late chance to win the game as the Spanish won 7-12.

Scotland 7s Head Coach John Dalziel said:

“On reflection it’s obviously encouraging to obtain two top 8 finishes and Cup Quarter Finals. There are no easy games on day two and over the last 2 weeks we have played South Africa twice, New Zealand and Fiji.

“We were the architects of our own downfall v Fiji in Dubai and again today v South Africa with a real opportunity to reach the semi-final this afternoon.

“I think that shows how far this young group have come that they are growing as a team and have played some very good rugby over the last two weeks. It’s a very unpredictable game with some world class teams going hard for Olympic qualification.

“It’s testament to the group that we are not satisfied with just the top 8. However we do have to walk before we can run and the experiences gained in the first two rounds will hold us in good stead for the rest of the season. We will have time to rest up recover and review and continue to improve key areas ahead of the next two rounds.”