Scotland 7s lift the Challenge Trophy in Hong Kong

After being drawn against South Africa, Samoa and Japan in Pool A, the Scots went on to play Spain and Australia, where they won both games and went on to win against Japan in the challenge trophy final.

With the six games in Hong Kong split over three days, Scotland fought on day one against solid opponent Samoa, with Max McFarland scoring Scotland’s only try in a 17-7 defeat.

During the Scots second day of the competition they came up against South Africa, where they made a fighting comeback after being 0-12 down at half time. However, it was not to be as the Blitzboks strengthened their attack to gain a 10-26 victory.

However, Scotland would not lose another game at Hong Kong stadium. Japan raced into an early lead in their final pool game but a hat-trick from co-captain Jamie Farndale plus scores from Gavin Lowe and Sean Kennedy saw the Scots complete an impressive comeback.

There was a sense of déjà vu about their first knock-out game against Spain to start day three. Having given the opposition an early lead it was Max McFarland this time who scored a three tries with Jo Nayacavou and Gavin Lowe also crossing on the way to another 33 point haul.

The confidence from their victory led the Scots on to win a further two games, including a 19-17 victory over Australia on the final day of the tournament.

After a 12-point start for Japan, Scotland’s McFarland outstripped the defence and scored Scotland’s first try of the match. McFarland then went on to score his sixth try of the tournament. Gavin Lowe finished the game with a last minute try which secured a victory and won the Challenge Trophy for the Scots.

Speaking on their progress at the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Scotland 7s Head Coach, John Dalziel has said: “The boys showed great character to win their last 4 games. We didn’t perform in the first few games but found our feet and I’m really pleased with the whole squad, especially the impact off the bench which was a major factor in all games we won.”