Scotland to meet Belgium in Bucharest Cup competition

Scotland will compete in the Bucharest 7s Cup competition against Belgium (8.44am, BST) tomorrow (Sunday 21 September) after sealing a second place finish in Pool B today.The Scots lost their opening match against Germany, 17-19 before securing a victory against Italy, 19-15. Then in their closest match of the day, France edged past them 12-17 in the dying moments of the tie. With Scotland, Germany and Italy all winning a single match, points difference saw Scotland edge into second place in the group.Head coach, Calum MacRae, said: The boys were disappointed with the inconsistency of their performances today.There were positive parts in each game, but we didn’t complete a full tie that we were happy with the outcome.First and foremost tomorrow, we have to set the tempo of the game against Belgium, particularly in attack, and defensively we have to work very very hard within our systems. “We came unstuck and allowed teams to score cheap tries when we deviated from our game plan today. “It is very important that we are decisive in our actions around the breakdown tomorrow, so we give ourselves strong structures, get in Belgium’s faces and put them under pressure.”Scotland 7s were undone by a composed German side in their first group match of the Bucharest 7s, this morning. When in possession the Scots patiently worked through the phases and were rewarded with three tries. Mark Roberston and Colin Gregor, brought the scores level, 7-7, at half-time with a try and conversion respectively. Then in the second period, twins Lewis and Gregor Young touched down. Gregor’s try a minute from time was the only point in the tie that the Scots were in front, 17-12, however their hard work was undone as Scott Wight was sent to the sin bin, underlining Scotland’s error count and leaving them a man-down with moments left on the clock.Germany scored a third try as the hooter went, with one conversion proving the difference between the two sides.Their try scorers were Chad Shepherd, Phil Szczesny and Clemens Von Grumbkow. Raynor Parkinson converted the first try, while Fabien Heimpel slotted the second.Scotland earn Cup quarter-finalAgainst Italy, the Scots established a 19-0 lead, in the first-half with a brace of tries from James Johnstone and one from Robertson. Gregor converted two from three.Wight and Johnstone set the tone of the game with some lovely steps and breaks that led to tries.These scores were enough to hold off the onslaught that ensured from Italy in the second-half and ensured the Scots had a win under their belts.Italy scored three tries through Gianmarco Vian, Filippo Vezzosi and Filippo Guarducci but none were converted ending the match, 19-15.The final match of the day was the closest and most consistent performance from the Scots. However, their opponents France emerged the winners, 17-12. Early on Robertson opened the scoring giving Scotland a lead, after a period of attack that saw the Scots protect the ball and patiently open up the space.However, two tries in quick succession scored by France’s Virimi Vakatawa and Pierre gilles Lakafia saw Scotland’s opponents go in ahead at the break, 12-5.In the second period the teams balanced each other out, with possession switching hands regularly.  However, after three minutes of play, Vakatawa scored again for France.There was still time for Scotland to attack and a few minutes later, Scott Riddell picked out a gap and ran in a try, while Gregor slotted the conversion. Scotland won the restart and had time to try to create one more score, but France turned over and cleared the ball into touch ending the game, 12-17. Bucharest 7s day one (Rugby Europe) Scotland 17-19 GermanyTries: Mark Robertson, Lewis Young and Gregor YoungConversion: Colin GregorStarting team: Scott Riddell, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Damien Hoyland, Nyle Godsmark and Scott Wight CAPTAIN.Replacements: Colin Shaw, Lewis Young (9 mins), Gregor Young (11 min), Rory Hutton (13 mins) and Struan Dewar (not used).Scotland 19-15 ItalyTries: James Johnstone (2) and Mark RobertsonConversions: Colin Gregor (2)Starting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Scott Wight CAPTAIN and Lewis Young.Replacements: Rory Hutton (9 mins), Gregor Young, Nyle Godsmark (both 13 mins), Colin Shaw and Damien Hoyland (not used). Scotland 12-17 FranceTries: Mark Robertson and Scott RiddellConversion: Colin GregorStarting team: Scott Riddell, Struan Dewar, James Johnstone, Colin Gregor, Mark Robertson, Scott Wight CAPTAIN and Lewis Young.Replacements: Colin Shaw, Nyle Godsmark, Gregor Young, Rory Hutton (all used) and Damien Hoyland (not used).