Welsh Warriors win Safaricom Safari Sevens.

Welsh Warriors from the United Kingdom are the new Safaricom Safari Sevens champions.

The Warriors, down 5-12 at half time, staged a stunning rally to upset IRB World Sevens Series side Argentina 24-17 in a pulsating Cup final played at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani, on Sunday.

Samurai International edged out Western Province 31-26 to win the third place play-off while Kenya Shujaa, who were the defending champions, claimed the Plate after seeing off Auckland Metro from New Zealand 17-14.

Shujaa bowed out to Western Province 21-29 while Simba Saba, another Kenyan side, lost to the new champions 12-19 in the Cup quarters.

Germany beat Sharks from South Africa 26-21 to settle for the Bowl while another South African side, Golden Lions, took the Shield with a 26-14 win over Uganda.

The Cup victory saw the Warriors become the first team from the UK to lift the title since 2002 when the British Army carried the day at the RFUEA grounds.

“I must acknowledge that it’s stunning victory considering that we only assembled four days before travelling to Nairobi,” said Warriors team manager Billy May.

“The victory means so much for the boys and it’s fantastic to do it in Kenya behind such a passionate crowd.”

HAPPY DESPITE DEFEAT

What war cry did the Warriors sound in the second half to turn the match around and prey on the Pumas?

“We simply upped our systems with physical play at the breakdowns as well as attacking them wider,” said May. “The boys also had self-belief.”

The Pumas coach Santiago Gomez, who was using the tournament to test his systems ahead of the opening leg of the IRB World Sevens in Gold Coast, was still a happy man despite the defeat.

“I had four issues that I put into practice coming to Nairobi and I am satisfied they came out clear and well,” said Gomez, who declined to state the issues. “I can’t disclose that since it’s my secret.”

Gomez noted that they have not played any competitive matches since the end of the IRB World Series in May.

“I am happy that Safaricom Sevens came up in handy and it gives us a hint on what to do ahead of Gold Coast,” said Gomez.

Argentina will face England, USA and Canada in Pool D at the Gold Coast Sevens.