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You are in: Commonwealth Games 2002 |
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Monday, 20 May, 2002, 13:55 GMT 14:55 UK
Harris tipped for sevens success
Iestyn Harris could add an extra edge to Wales sevens
Iestyn Harris could have a key role to play when Wales attempt to ruffle a few feathers at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
The country's sevens coach, Colin Hillman, hopes that former Leeds and Great Britain rugby league star Harris will be part of the squad that heads north in late July. Wales have competed encouragingly on the demanding International Rugby Board World Sevens circuit this season, reaching the semi-finals in Hong Kong when they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners England. Hillman believes that a semi-final place in Manchester is not beyond the men in red - despite inevitably tough competition from the likes of New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, South Africa and England themselves.
Wales have used largely untried and inexperienced players on their travels and, while Hillman will not dispense with those who have contributed, senior internationals would clearly bolster Wales' chances. "We haven't really used the IRB series as a build-up in terms of the Commonwealth Games," he said. "In the last two tournaments in Singapore and Malaysia, we took a very young development squad. "Club commitments meant that we could not have access to top players with the leading clubs - but that should not be the case for the Commonwealth Games. "In our 12-man squad for Manchester we would probably have six from our current Sevens group and another six from the senior national squad. "We have been lacking a little bit of pace in the outside backs - so people like Craig Morgan and Dafydd James would be ideal. I also hope Iestyn can be involved. "It would be nice to have him included in our squad for the London Sevens at Twickenham later this month. "But we won't decide on our final squad until after Wales return from their two-Test tour of South Africa in June."
Hillman believes it is important Wales give the best show they possibly can, justifying their current top-eight world ranking and maybe going on to better that. "The Commonwealth Games will provide a massive opportunity that we shouldn't let slip. We are duty-bound to select the best players. "With the progress we've shown this season, then I think the semi-finals are not beyond us. "We only lost 14-12 to Fiji in Malaysia and we have all learnt so much during the various tournaments that we've been part of. "I'm sure that New Zealand will be the favourites. But Fiji have been without their top players, such as Waisale Serevi, because of their club commitments and they are all going to be available for the Games. "Australia are very strong, as are South Africa and England, and I think that the rugby sevens will be the major event of the Games." Wales will compete in the final two IRB tournaments in London and Cardiff before concentrating totally on the Games.
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