Gemmell raps Scotland seven

Published on Sunday 29 March 2009 22:22

THE Scotland sevens coach, Stephen Gemmell, criticised his players for failing to make important tackles after watching his team exit the IRB Sevens World Series event in Hong Kong with a thumping 29-0 defeat to Tonga in the quarter-finals of the Plate.

"We couldn't match the physicality of their game with our usual failing of not being able to make crucial tackles," said Gemmell. "We were always under pressure and that fed into our attacking game where we were tentative."

The result ended a disappointing tournament for the Scots, who ended up in the consolation Plate event after losing 31-7 to Kenya in their second pool match. They also recorded narrow 19-17 victories over both the USA and the West Indies.

"We now need to move on to Adelaide where we face three different teams in Fiji, Argentina and France," added Gemmell.

Fiji will be buoyed by winning the tournament yesterday, Emosi Vucago scoring two tries as the islanders held on for a 26-24 win over South Africa.