Dubai
The 2017/2018 HSBC Sevens Series has begun in Dubai. 16 teams from all over the world are participating in what promises to be a thrilling competition. The road to Rugby World Cup 2018 begins in earnest! These are the teams to watch below.
SOUTH AFRICA
Seabelo Senatla of South Africa cuts through the Kenya defense on day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai on 1 December 2017. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The current champions are in Pool A with Kenya, Canada, and invitational side Uganda. The BlitzBokke under their coach Neil Powell had a fantastic performance last season winning five of the ten legs in the series circuit and were finalists in three legs. With speedsters Seabelo Senatla, Rosco Speckman, Justin Geduld, Branco Du Preez and Cecil Afrika they are the favorites to win. Combining speed, stamina, and tactics they are a formidable team that other teams would be wary to play against.
FIJI
Waisea Nacuqu of Fiji tackles against Wales on day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai on 1 December, 2017. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The current Olympic champions have a new coach, Gareth Baber, who wants to copy the success of his predecessor, Ben Ryan. The Welshman has big boots to fill and he hopes that his first tournament in Dubai will bring him a main cup trophy. It will be an uphill task with Osea Kolinisau the former captain leaving the team to play for the Houston Strikers. The current captain, Jerry Tuwai was nominated to be the World Rugby sevens player of the year. He hopes to lead his team to success in his first tournament as captain.
USA
Perry Baker of the United States scores a try
The United States sevens team has evolved from underdogs to main cup contenders thanks to their coach, Mike Friday. The former England and Kenya sevens coach has a knack for picking up great talent with Perry Baker being a fine addition to the team. Perry Baker was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year. He is also Top try scorer in 2017 with 57 tries. He is arguably the fastest player on the pitch and is a threat anywhere on the pitch. This is THE player to watch in the series.
KENYA
The Kenyan sevens team, 'Shujaa' have won one main cup trophy in 2016 in Singapore. With their current top try scorer Collins Injera in the lineup, the Kenyan team are a credible threat. Willy Ambaka, Nelson Ayoo, Oscar Ayodi and Samuel Oliech will be assisting Injera and newcomers Herman Humwa and Jeffrey Oluoch making their debut. it is interesting to note how the coach, Innocent Simiyu will balance old and new players in their quest for a series title.
Collins Injera with a brilliant dummy when Kenya played Canada at the Dubai Sevens
Super excited that the season has begun. The million dollar question is... WHO WILL COME OUT VICTORIOUS?!