Dubai, November 30: England’s opening game against South Africa at 11.20am today will be an early barometer of the Red Roses’ contention for an Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens hat-trick this weekend. Having won here in Dubai for the last two seasons, Ben Ryan’s squad now face tough early tests in Pool C against the Springboks, Samoa and Portugal. After a bowl final loss to Spain in round one of the nine leg HSBC Sevens World Series at Australia’s Gold Coast Sevens last month, England are now 10th in the overall series standings with all to play for in round two in Dubai.
South Africa meanwhile finished third in Australia, losing out to eventual winners Fiji in the semi-finals of the Cup.
Samoa, who England play at 3.28pm today, also topped their group in Australia beating England in the group phase 19-17.
Portugal, whom England lost to 14-12 during the group phase of 2010 Dubai Rugby Sevens, are also no pushovers. England will play them in their last game of the day at 5.44pm. The Portuguese are tied for 15th in the standings with Tonga on one point apiece. They finished bottom of their group at the Gold Coast and failed to score on their way to a Shield semi-final exit.
Fiji and New Zealand pose the biggest threat should England emerge from their group unscathed. Winning at Gold Coast, thanks to an all-star performance from Joji Ragamate who top scored with 59 points, the Fijians are now on course for a hat-trick of consecutive events. They ended last season with victory in London and maintained form heading into the new campaign this season with honours at the Gold Coast.
Playing Spain first up in Pool A from 9.50am Friday, the Fijians then play Scotland at 1.36pm and Kenya at 6.58pm, in what appears to be an easy route into the competition.
Kenya, managed by former England coach Mike Friday, however, could provide an upset having knocked out hosts Australia in the Gold Coast in the Cup quarters 21-14, only to lose to the Kiwis in the semis. While Fiji top the standings on 22 points, Kenya are fourth on 15 points and demand recognition in one of their strongest starts to a campaign.
Ten times series champions and the current series holders New Zealand are second on 19 points and face Wales at 10.36am, Russia at 2.22pm and Argentina at 7.22pm in Pool B.
An improving Argentine side, fifth in the tables on 13 points pose the Kiwis biggest hurdle, but the Welsh will be looking to salvage pride from a difficult opener.
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