Scotland 7s started the IRB Sevens World Series event in Wellington today with an unbeaten record to top their pool.

This is the first time Scotland have topped their pool since the final event of last season - the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens at Murrayfield back in June last year.

After their final pool game against Argentina, Scotland 7s coach Stephen Gemmell said: ” Two wins and a draw on day one is outstanding.

“Well done to the boys for fronting up and achieving something special before what is a big day for the team tomorrow.”

Scotland will face Australia in the quarter-finals of the Cup competition tomorrow at 2:55pm local time (1:55am GMT).

SCOTLAND 7s 26 – 0 TONGA 7s
Scotland 7s got off to a flying start at the Wellington Sevens early this morning when they defeated a muscular Tongan side.

Glasgow Warriors/Hawks stand-off Mike Adamson scored a hat-trick of tries with Scotland’s fourth score coming from Edinburgh scrum-half Greig Laidlaw.

Adamson was successful with all but one conversion attempt.

Coach Stephen Gemmell said: “It was a good start to the tournament because the boys came onto the ball well and kept their shape. It was also very positive to start the day without conceding any points.

“USA have just beaten Argentina so our next game is going to be tough.”

Scotland 7s: Scott Forrest, Chris Fusaro, Richie Vernon, Greig Laidlaw, Colin Shaw, Mike Adamson, James Thomson
Subs: Ali Warnock for Shaw and Neil Rodger for Forrest

SCOTLAND7s 7 – 7 USA 7s
Scotland 7s coach Stephen Gemmell described this game as a “get out of jail card” as his charges struggled to keep their composure and structure against a buoyant American side.

Scotland’s only try came from Glasgow Warriors/Hawks wing/fullback Colin Shaw with Mike Adamson converting.

With a 7-0 lead at half-time, Gemmell was disappointed not to have sealed the win.

He said: “That was a bit of a "get out of jail card” for us. We didn’t play well.

“However, our place in the knock-out stages is still in our hands. Argentina have lost their first two games so we need to win our next game to top our pool.”

Scotland 7s: Scott Forrest, Chris Fusaro, Richie Vernon, Greig Laidlaw, Colin Shaw, Mike Adamson, James Thomson
Subs: Scott Newlands for Fusaro and Ali Warnock for Shaw

SCOTLAND 7s 19 – 12 ARGENTINA 7s
Scotland 7s finished day one of the Wellington Sevens unbeaten as they achieved their main objective of topping their pool.

Scotland 7s will now play Australia 7s in the quarter-finals of the Cup competition tomorrow.

Mike Adamson continued to be Scotland’s point’s machine as he crossed the line twice and slotted two conversions.

Scotland’s other try came from Greig Laidlaw.

Scotland 7s: Scott Forrest, Chris Fusaro, Scott Newlands, Greig Laidlaw, Colin Shaw, Mike Adamson, James Thomson
Subs: Richie Vernon for Newlands, Jamie Hunter for Fusaro and Ali Warnock for Shaw

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This article was posted on 1-Feb-2008, 12:47 by Hugh Barrow.