Scotland out to defend Bowl title in Hong Kong

Scotland 7s will set out to defend their Hong Kong 7s Bowl title tomorrow (Sunday 29 March) in the sixth leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series.They will play Japan at 3.36am (GMT, live on Sky Sports).In the group stages, Scotland managed a victory over Portugal 14-12, but suffered defeats at the hands of New Zealand, 26-7, and Australia, 21-5, respectively.In the Portugal match, patient attack and firm defence, in the latter stages of the game helped them secure the win.Head Coach Calum MacRae said: “On the whole the last two days have been inline with the form book, given New Zealand are second in the World Series rankings, Australia are fourth, we are eighth and Portugal are 14th.In order to upset and change this we need to control the ball and be clinical.””At times our approach to attack play was very promising, but passing accuracy let us down.”Restarts have been a source of important possession for us. We haven’t gained enough possession to play off and defended for long periods.”It comes back to doing the basics well on the big stage. Japan is our first opportunity to deliver a performance that is more of the standards we have set this season to date.”In order to maintain eighth place in the World Series standings and to fend off their nearest rivals France and Samoa, Scotland will have to get the maximum of eight points available to them by winning the Bowl in the knock-out stages.France will play in the same competition on day three, while Samoa will compete in the Cup competition and have a maximum of 22 points up for grabs.Currently, Scotland are on 47 points, France are on 37 and Samoa are on 36.Scotland’s opening match on day two was just as tough as the New Zealand tie on day one.Australia dominated possession throughout the game and when Scotland managed to get their hands on the ball, they were outmuscled by their opponent’s pinpoint accuracy in defence, which forced a series of errors.Australia went in at the break 14-0 up, after tries from Pama Fou and Con Foley, converted by Cameron Clark.After the break it was one try apiece. First, Nicholas Malouf touched down, and then Scotland’s replacement seemed to add a bit of spark with James Fleming making a break down the wing and offloading to Russell Weir who finished the move, with a try across the whitewash.Patient possessionScotland secured a win, 14-12, in their final pool match against Portugal, who had drawn with New Zealand, 24-24, earlier in the day.It was a tight match and unforced errors at times cost the Scots, but patience when in possession and good defence at key moments helped them cross the line.First Mark Robertson ran in under the posts to match Duarte Moreira’s try and make sure things were level at the break, 7-7. Then, in the second period Chris Dean scored and a perfectly struck kick from Colin Gregor saw Scotland take the lead.On his debut against New Zealand, Glasgow Warriors’, Fraser Lyle showed the attacking promise in the team with a cracking support line that saw him take a pop from captain Scott Riddell and turn-on the gas to score under the posts.This try, along with Gregor’s conversion, saw the score level with only a few moments left in the first half of Scotland’s opening game.However, New Zealand proved too good and too physical in the second half and tries from Tim Mikkelson and Rieko Ioane put them out of sight. DJ Forbes and Sherwin Stowers scored in the first period. Beaudine Waaka converted three tries. Hong Kong 7s Pool BScotland 7-26 New ZealandTry: Fraser LyleConversion: Colin GregorStarting team: Scott Riddell CAPTAIN, Fraser Lyle, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Damien Hoyland and Lee Jones.Replacements: Joseva Nayacavou, Chris Dean (both 10mins), Nyle Godsmark (11mins), James Fleming (13mins) and Russell Weir (not used). Scotland 5-21 AustraliaTry: Russell WeirStarting team: Scott Riddell CAPTAIN, Fraser Lyle, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Damien Hoyland and Lee Jones.Replacements: Joseva Nayacavou (9mins), Chris Dean (10mins), James Fleming, Russell Weir (both 11mins) and Nyle Godsmark (not used). Scotland 14-12 PortugalTries: Mark Robertson and Chris DeanConversions: Colin Gregor (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell CAPTAIN, Fraser Lyle, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Russell Weir and Lee Jones.Replacements: Chris Dean (9mins), Joseva Nayacavou (11mins), James Fleming (13mins), Nyle Godsmark and Damien Hoyland (not used).