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 | | Sunday, 24 March, 2002, 13:30 GMT Paul leads Sevens revival  Paul was the key figure for England in Hong Kong Earlier this month question marks were being raised about rugby league convert Henry Paul's ability to cope with his code switch. Jason Robinson had moved to union with phenomenal pace and success but Paul had not and his troubled transition reached a low after England's Six Nations defeat to France. The centre, who came on as a substitute, was criticised for underperforming, while coach Clive Woodward was castigated for naming him on the bench when he was unprepared for international duty. Some newspapers even suggested he was on his way back to rugby league.
This weekend, though, Paul finally gave himself, Woodward and his critics something to think on with a series of virtuoso performances in England's Hong Kong Sevens victory. In the process, England became only the second northern hemisphere side to prevail in the prestigious tournament's 27-year history. Paul's league background helped shape a disciplined English defence, but it was on the offensive where he was most effective. He rarely got his name on the score sheet but was a crucial influence as his side defeated Samoa in the quarter-finals, the Welsh in the semis and the Fijians at the final hurdle. The 28-year-old showed that, given room and time, he has the ability to produce the goods at international level with intelligent kicking and some well-timed running displays.
The fact that England lifted the crown for the first ever time may prove to be of secondary importance should Paul carry this type of performance into the Test format. But Paul's renewed vigour - and England's success - bode well for the Commonwealth Games. Joe Lydon was appointed the full-time coach of England's Sevens team in October, with the simple objective of winning the gold medal in Manchester. Recently he said: "Our target is a medal but we will be going for gold. "The Games has changed the focus, role and standing of Sevens within the RFU." England's Hong Kong win came with and against some very inexperienced players. Robinson waits Simon Amor, who scored 13 points in the final, is currently clubless, while 21-year-old Ben Gollings is only just beginning to make his mark at club side Harlequins. And, while New Zealand look likely to welcome back Jonah Lomu to their Sevens side and Australia can call on former league stars Wendall Sailor and Mat Rogers, England have their own reserves up their sleeve. Most crucially perhaps is the influence of Jason Robinson, whose running prowess has not yet been witnessed at Sevens level. Another player likely to make the squad is Lawrence Dallaglio, part of England's World Cup-winning side back in 1993. And the pace of Austin Healey, Dan Luger and Iain Balshaw are also on offer. Lydon and Woodward would agree the signs look good. | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Other top Rugby Union stories: Links to more Rugby Union stories are at the foot of the page. | |||
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