Another Bowl win for gutsy Wales

By lsullivan

WALES'S charac- ter shone through in New Zealand when they fended off the challenge of France to claim their third Bowl title on the trot in the IRB Sevens series.

Having already picked up the silverware in the first two legs in Dubai and George, Wales went into the Bowl round confident of completing the job.

France gave them a run for their money, but Paul John's men did just enough to win the final 7-5.

After the disappoint- ment of not qualifying for the Cup quarter-finals after defeats to New Zealand and South Africa, Wales began their quest for the Bowl title with a routine 31-12 quarter-final victory over the fast improving Papua New Guinea side.

Alex Cuthbert continued his fine form at this level by racing over for two tries, with others coming from Ifan Evans, Justin Tipuric.

Job

Lloyd Williams and Aaron Bramwell comp- leted the job with three conversions.

In a replay of last year's Rugby World Cup Sevens final, Wales squeezed home against Argentina in a tight encounter.

Neither side gave each other room to attack but Wales eventually came out on top 17-12.

Scarlets wing Darren Daniel dotted down for a brace of tries with Cuthbert again getting in on the action by scoring once and adding a conversion.

The Bowl final was another tight affair but John's men withstood a mighty challenge from France.

Ifan Evans sped over for Wales and Bramwell added the extras.

But with France replying through Math- ieu Besson, Wales had to defend for their lives.

"The boys would have learned a lot from this experience," said head coach John.

Strong

"We came up against two very strong sides on day one with New Zealand and South Africa proving they are a force to be reckoned with at this level.

"The boys bounced back and deservedly got their reward."