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Varndell on scoresheet for England Sevens

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Tom Varndell scored two tries against Hong Kong to help England to a 42-5 victory in their opening match of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai.

The Leicester Tigers wing scored the second and last try in England’s six-try win. Tom Biggs, Ben Gollings (2) and Josh Drauniniu were also on the scoresheet while Gollings added six conversions.

Speaking before the game, Varndell is setting his sights on winning the tournament.

He said: “The highlights of my career have been with the sevens squad, especially three years ago when we went to the Commonwealth Games (and won silver) but I've never been involved a World Cup.

“It's going to be hot and the quality of teams we are playing is very high. But we have a fantastic squad and hopefully I can be part of that and we can come away winners.”

Head coach Ben Ryan said: “We've added Tom on the wing, which is exciting, and I'm sure he will thrive in the World Cup environment.

“I have never known a group that have been as close knit off the field and that has undoubtedly been the number one reason we have made so many finals and are in the position we are in.”

England are next in action against Tunisia on Friday (kick off 11.22am local time, GMT +4).

England: Isoa Damudamu (British Army/London Wasps), Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie), Ollie Phillips (Newcastle Falcons), Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Gollings (Gold Coast, Australia), Tom Biggs (Leeds Carnegie), Chris Cracknell (Exeter Chiefs)

Replacements: Josh Drauniniu (Royal Navy/Exeter Chiefs), Tom Varndell (Leicester Tigers), Andy Vilk (Benetton Treviso).

Tries: Biggs, Varndell (2), Gollings (2), Drauniniu

Conversions: Gollings (6)

Yellow Card: Barrett