The Scotland 7s team exited the NZI New Zealand Sevens this morning at the Shield semi-final stage following defeat against the USA (19-12). A loss to Niue (17-12) preceded this in the Bowl quarter-finals to present a major challenge to Stephen Gemmell and his side ahead of the inaugural event in Las Vegas next weekend.

The Scots’ opening game of the second day, which takes the form of a knock-out tournament, against Niue saw Peter Jericevich and Colin Shaw touch down with Grant Anderson converting one attempt. However, the South Sea Islanders crossed the whitewash on three occasions to ensure victory.

In their second outing, this time in the Shield competition against USA, Scotland continued to struggle when trying to convert possession into points.

Chris Kinloch and Andrew Turnbull both touched down, with Duncan Weir adding the extras in one occasion. But three tries from the Americans cast a shadow over Scotland’s efforts.

Following the final game of the day, Scotland 7s coach, Stephen Gemmell, said: "The game against Niue was the most disappointing because we looked flat and never really got going in the game. You can't afford to do that at this level against any opposition because if you do then the outcome is exactly what we got.

"We go to Vegas next weekend with a requirement to improve. There are no easy fixes, just a lot of hard work required on the training field.”

Starting team v Niue: Scott Forrest, David Tait, Colin Shaw, Peter Jericevich, Grant Anderson, Chris Kinloch, Andrew Turnbull

Starting team v USA: Scott Forrest, Scott Riddell, Colin Shaw, Duncan Weir, Lee Jones, Chris Kinloch, , Andrew Turnbull

Scotland 7s squad to compete at the IRB Sevens World Series events in Wellington (5 & 6 February) and Las Vegas (13 & 14 February): Scott Forrest* CAPTAIN, Mike Adamson*, Grant Anderson (Ayr)**, Struan Dewar (Heriot’s)**, Peter Jericevich (Glasgow Hawks)**, Lee Jones (Selkirk), Chris Kinloch (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Riddell (Blaydon), Colin Shaw*, David Tait (Sale Sharks), Andrew Turnbull (Edinburgh), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Hawks)**

* = Fulltime Scotland 7s player
** = Member of Scottish Rugby’s National Academy

IRB New Zealand Sevens, Pool B: Fiji, Australia, Scotland, Papua New Guinea

Scotland 7s’ Pool B fixtures on day one (Friday 5 January) of the NZI New Zealand Sevens in Wellington:
Fiji v Scotland, kick-off 2.28pm local time (1.28am GMT)
Australia v Scotland, kick-off 5.46pm local time (4.46am GMT)
Scotland v Papua New Guinea, kick-off 7.36pm local time (6.36am GMT)

IRB USA Sevens, Pool C: Samoa, Kenya, Scotland, Chile

Scotland 7s’ Pool C fixtures on day one (Saturday 13 December) of the Emirates Airline USA Sevens in Las Vegas (11 & 12 December):
Samoa v Scotland, kick-off 12.28pm local time (8.28pm GMT)
Kenya v Scotland, kick-off 3.36pm local time (11.36pm GMT)
Scotland v Chile, kick-off 6.08pm local time (2.08am GMT on Sun 14 Feb)

All the latest scores and reaction will be available on www.scottishrugby.org