Shiel bemoans poor possession as Scots crash in Hong Kong

Once again the Scots showed their ability to score, with James Fleming and Mark Cairns crossing the line, bringing the scores level again just after half-time. But a lack of possession and weak defence were the ultimate undoing for the Scots. They now travel to Tokyo where they will take on South Africa, Samoa and Portugal, next weekend (31 March and 1 April).

Shiel said: “There is an overall sense of frustration in the squad. As a group, we have the ability to score tries and at times throughout the tournament we have done some very skilful things. However, possession and our ability to win possession has been our main issue. At this level, we have to realise the value of possession. Without the ball in any game it’s very difficult to compete, especially against the international sides you compete with on the HSBC Sevens World Series circuit.

“We face third-placed South Africa, Plate winners Samoa and newly-prompted core team Portugal next week in Tokyo. Therefore, the challenges the squad face get bigger and bigger.

“We now need to reflect on this week and analyse our individual and collective performances in order to improve and meet the challenges that we face next weekend against three very good teams.”

Following their opening-day thumping by eventual champions Fiji, the Scots started against Australia on Saturday but, despite tries by Ross Miller and Colin Gregor, were unable to prompt a much-needed victory to reach their ongoing goal of a cup quarter-final. The match finished 29-14 to Australia.

Next up was France and the Scottish defence improved and their attack was patient. After going 12-0 down, they produced a spirited comeback, sparked by Fleming’s second-half try. Drawing the ball out to the wing, he showed his pace by tearing up the last defender and touching down under the posts.

It looked like France had sealed the victory, though, as the hooter went for the end of the game. However, the Scots had the ball and held their own for a number of phases, being patient with passes and taking contact when necessary. Their patience paid off when Sean Kennedy made a step and the path opened up for him to run right through the middle of two defenders. Gregor converted and the Scots won 14-12.

A rampant Fiji team ran in five superb tries to New Zealand’s four to win the cup final 35-28 and close the gap at the top of the world series to just two points. Waisea Nayacalevu scored each side of half time as an inspired and emotional Fijian team seized the initiative early on and rarely gave it up to clinch a first triumph in Hong Kong since 2009.

For captain Setefano Cakau, who was in inspired form in the final, it was his first cup victory in Hong Kong.

“For me it is the first time I have played in and won a cup final here,” Cakau said.

“I have been here for six years and it is my first victory as captain, so I thank the boys because I know they worked very hard this afternoon.

“It was our mission to win and now we will keep building on it for next week. I know it is another tournament and a big task ahead of us, so we will regroup and work on what is ahead of us in Japan.”

In reaching their fifth cup final of the season, New Zealand kept their lead at the top of the World Series on 111 points, but the Fijians have cut that lead to just two points.

“We are disappointed. You never want to lose a final, especially in a place like this,” said New Zealand captain DJ Forbes. “But, fair play to them, they came out firing. Ultimately it is about the World Series, so it was pleasing to get some points out of this and, for a young team with some guys who have never played here before, I am really proud.”

Samoa left it late to beat Argentina 12-10 in the final of the Plate to lift some silverware after Paul Perez scored a hat-trick in their 36-7 semi-final victory against RWC Sevens champions Wales.

In the Bowl final, Kenya came from 12-0 behind to beat USA 14-12.

Scotland host the penultimate leg of the circuit at the Emirates Airline Glasgow Sevens at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May.