Dalziel sees bright future for young Scots following seventh-place finish at World Cup

Head coach John Dalziel believes star man Jamie Farndale and the young players in the core squad can drive Scotland Sevens’ performances forward over the next few years after they finished seventh at the Rugby World Cup in San Francisco.

On day three Scotland lost 28-0 to the USA in the fifth to eight place semi-final, but bounced back to defeat France 29-24 in extra-time in the seventh/eighth place play-off.

That final match at AT&T Park was very tight, a late try by Farndale levelling things up at 24-24 as the hooter went.

Then, in extra-time, 24-yearold Farndale, pictured, managed to somehow summon up the energy to run the length of the field for the winning score to end a very long season for the Scots incorporating 12 tournaments.

Dalziel is already looking ahead to the future and said: “There’s a desperation from Jamie Farndale and all of the players to drive this sevens programme forward.

“There’s a lot to work with in terms of talent and I’m really excited about where this team can go in the next few years.

“Looking back at the World Cup, I’m really pleased that in the last game we calmed down a bit and played our game. “We had to dig in deep in extra-time and a special mention to Jamie who has had a fantastic season for us and was out on his feet at the end of that game, to sprint nearly 100 metres to score the winning try shows his desire.”

Meanwhile, a Scotsman lifted the trophy in America after defeating England in the final, head coach Clark Laidlaw helping New Zealand to glory.

Former Jed-forest player Laidlaw, the cousin of current Scotland scrum-half Greig and son of rugby legend Roy, was appointed to the role with the All Blacks last summer.

Under Laidlaw’s leadership in 2017-18 New Zealand have won this big one, the Commonwealth Games and a World Series event in Cape Town after a spell of poor results prior to that. New Zealand co-captain Tim Mikkelson believes Laidlaw has been the major reason for their form improving following the 33-12 victory over the English.

Mikkelson said: “Credit to the coaching staff, the head coach Clark Laidlaw has really brought the boys together. We didn’t get the results early on [this season], but we kept on working and things are now going well and I am excited to keep working under him.”