Portugal win Hannover to lead pack to Dubai Sevens

Portugal won the Hannover Sevens on Monday to capture the title of European champions and lead the charge of the five regional qualifiers to next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.

Portugal, Wales, Georgia, Ireland and Italy all booked their places for the Dubai showpiece on March 5 to 7 2009, joining England, France and Scotland, whose Cup quarterfinal appearances at the 2005 event in Hong Kong guaranteed them a place in the draw.

The Portuguese lived up to their billing as top seeds at Hannover's AWD Arena, beating Wales by four tries to two to win the Cup final 26-12. The two sides had won with tight victories over Ireland and Georgia, who also qualified by reaching the semifinals.

The fifth qualifying berth went to the winners of the Plate trophy, Italy, who battled first past hosts Germany and then a strong Spain side in the final.

High standard

The standard among the 12 European sides vying for the five places was extremely high and an early snapshot of what spectators can look forward to seeing in Dubai next year.

On day one Wales trailed at half time against Ireland and then needed a try to deny Ukraine victory. Portugal edged hosts Germany 14-12 in their third match and Georgia needed a last minute breakaway to beat Russia.

While the hosts Germany were downed by Pablo Feijoo's last minute try for Spain, Markus Walger sealed a 17-12 win over Romania and they then pushed Italy close in the Plate before beating the Ukraine to finish seventh overall.