By Andrew Baldock, PA Sport Rugby Union Correspondent

Coach Colin Hillman believes that Wales' exciting Commonwealth Games rugby squad possess the potential to be sevens semi-finalists in Manchester.

Wales might not be fancied among the major medal challengers such as New Zealand, Fiji and England, but any team containing proven class acts in Rob Howley, Dafydd James and Arwel Thomas, cannot be taken lightly.

The key to Wales' campaign looks like being their second pool game against fellow quarter-final hopefuls Tonga at City of Manchester Stadium on Friday night.

Victory over the South Sea Islanders should put Wales into Saturday's knockout stages, and Hillman is optimistic about their prospects.

"With the progress we've shown this season, then I think the semi-finals are not beyond us," said Hillman.

Semi-finalists in Hong Kong earlier this year, Wales are banking on the likes of Howley, James and another hugely experienced senior international - Bridgend's Gareth Thomas - to spearhead their campaign.

And skipper Jason Forster, arguably the best current uncapped forward in Welsh rugby, expects his players to rise to the occasion.

"We are determined to play well, enjoy ourselves and make all Wales proud of us," said the Newport flanker.

Wales launch their medal bid against Pool B outsiders Sri Lanka, which should produce a comfortable victory, before the Tonga encounter and a Saturday appointment with group favourites and world-ranked number two nation South Africa.

"I hope that we can still be in the main cup competition on the last day of the Games," said scrum-half Howley, who makes his final Wales representative appearance this weekend after an international career that harvested 59 caps, including 22 Tests as Test team captain.

"With a sell-out 38,000 crowd expected on Sunday, it would be a great experience.

"There would appear to be a clutch of teams in a very good position to win a bronze medal, including the likes of ourselves, England and Australia."