Outsider Wales ripped up the formbook to beat Argentina 19-12 and claim the Rugby World Cup Sevens title here on Saturday. The Welsh team, largely a second-tier team on the IRB World Sevens Series which has never before reached a final, showed great poise on the third day of competition, stunning New Zealand and Samoa in the quarter and semifinals. In the 20-minute final, Wales out-scored the Pumas three tries to two, showing greater tactical nous and individual skill against a flagging Argentinian side. Richie Pugh opened the scoring, the once-capped international flanker sprinting clear into the corner after a long pass from irrepressible sweeper Lee Williams. Argentina hit back through Martin Rodriguez who latched on to a loose pass to scoot in for a try he converted from the touchline. Williams was everywhere for the Welsh in defense, coming up with try-saving tackles on Lucas Amorosino and Santiago Cora. It was, however, another of Wales' one-cap wonders who extended the Welsh lead, winger Tal Selley continuing his fine tournament form with a dummy, step and sharp acceleration for a 60-meter run-in. Aled Thomas nailed the conversion to hand Wales a 12-7 half-time lead. Aside from Wales, Kenya sensationally beat defending champion Fiji in the quarterfinals but could not continue their giant-killing against the rugged Argentina side. South Africa, joint leader of the IRB World Series Sevens with England, exited in the quarterfinals at the hands of Argentina. England was beaten in sudden death by Samoa. Scotland trumped Australia 21-17 to win the Plate, while Zimbabwe made sure of some African silverware in beating Ireland 17-14 for the Bowl title. Hurricanes beat Cheetahs Winger Hosea Gear scored two tries as the Wellington Hurricanes beat South Africa's Cheetahs 29-12 Saturday in Super 14 rugby in New Plymouth, New Zealand. In Auckland, Scrumhalf Rory Kockott kicked 15 points as South Africa's Sharks won away at the Auckland Blues 35-31 on Saturday to retain their unbeaten record. In Dunedin, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw sustained a potentially serious knee injury in the Otago Highlanders' 6-0 win over the Canterbury Crusaders in another encounter. In Pretoria, the Bulls maintained their unbeaten start to the Super 14 with a 14-10 win over South African rivals the Stormers in Pretoria on Saturday.
