ELLIOT Daly admits it was hard to take as Wasps fell to a last-gasp defeat that denied them glory in this year’s Singha Premiership Rugby 7s final.
Daly skippered the side that were so impressive in the group stage at the Ricoh Arena and they once again looked like favourites for the crown after some strong early performances at Friday’s final at Twickenham Stoop.
A 33-5 win in their quarter final with Exeter Chiefs saw Wasps set up a semi-final with Scarlets where they were once again superior and won 33-12.
That meant the final beckoned and a clash with last year’s beaten finalists Newport Gwent Dragons.
Christian Wade sprung to life in the final and dotted down twice to give Wasps the lead heading into the dying moments only for Harry Keddie to crash over with the last play of the game and send the trophy to Wales.
“Obviously we are all really disappointed after that, but credit where it’s due to Dragons as they came out and played really good rugby and were a good outfit,” said Daly, who grabbed a try in Wasps opening win over Exeter.
“We really wanted to win this competition, and while we didn’t quite go all the way we did get to the final and we’ve got some good rugby under our belts ahead of the season.
“The 7s is always a different kind of thing to the 15s, and it gives you a whole different focus in preseason and improves your fitness too so it’s been a good experience.
“We had a very tough start against Exeter as they really came out firing, and fortunately second half we got a few tries which was awesome.
“Then we had the welsh sides and Scarlets were a good side too, as obviously were Newport.”
While Daly was disappointed with the defeat he admits there was little his side could do to prevent the late score and says they will be back stronger next term.
“To lose it so late is definitely hard to take,” he added. “In 7s you need to keep the ball for as long as possible as you will score tries and probably win the game, and unfortunately during that last three minutes we didn’t have the ball, or even touch it.
“They’re always going to score in a situation like that, and it’s unfortunate for us but we’ll learn from it. It was an amazing tournament though; the crowds were great and there were a lot of spectacular tries. Hopefully we can go on and win it next year.”
