The 2019/20 HSBC World Sevens Series will get underway on Friday the 6th of December. Darry Worthington previews the Dubai leg below.
The World elite Sevens sides will get their 2019/20 campaigns underway out in the Dubai desert this coming weekend. The opening leg of the 2019/20 series promises to be an absolute cracker with a number of sides looking primed for a tilt at the Dubai title.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
Dubai Sevens
Thursday 5 April – Saturday 7 April
The Sevens Stadium
To Win Dubai Leg Outright
Fiji 22/10
United States 5/2
New Zealand 7/2
South Africa 15/4
Australia 12/1
England 16/1
Contenders
Fiji
2018 Finish: Fifth
The reigning World Series champions will be looking to get the 2019/20 Series off to a far more solid start then they did last season. The Fijians – who have been an almighty force out in Dubai winning two and finishing as runners-up on six occasions – could only muster up as fifth-place finish last time around.
They are likely to do better this time around as they have a mean-looking squad with veterans like Jerry Tuwai and Paula Dranisinikula lining up outside exciting prospects like the Tabu brothers.
Player to Watch: Jerry Tuwai
Like his predecessor, Waisale Servi, Tuwai has become the game’s ambassador and the reason fans by tickets. The little magician is an absolute delight to watch. He’ll produce fireworks this weekend.
New Zealand
2018 Dubai Finish: Champions
The Kiwis had an absolute blinder of a Dubai tournament as they secured their first Dubai series win since 2009. They are actually the most successful side at this tournament winning six of the 19 editions of the tournament while finishing as runners-up on four occasions.
We may see a solid showing from the men in black this weekend as well as coach Clark Laidlaw has named an extremely experienced side for the opener, which includes the likes of Will Collier and Regan Ware.
Player to Watch: Joe Webber
Webber heads into this one off the back of a great Mitre Cup season and will undoubtedly hit. the ground running this weekend.
South Africa
2018 Dubai Finish: Sixth
The Blitzboks endured a tough time of it out in Dubai last season finishing way down in sixth place. They have a far better squad this season, however, as Seabelo Senatla, Rosko Specman, Ruhan Nel and Dylan Sage all return to the squad – at least for a few weeks – having missed the majority of last season due to XV’s commitments.
With such a talent-laden side, it will almost be criminal for the Blitz Boks not to at least make the final out in the desert.
Player to Watch: Seabelo Senatla
The Western Province man will be chomping at the bit to remind the world how good he is after last year’s rather underwhelming XV’s displays. Expect the veteran flyer to score a number of tries this weekend.
Dark Horse
Australia
2018 Dubai Finish: Fourth
The Australians can hardly be considered a Sevens rugby force but there are signs that they are on their way to becoming one with the ARU investing a lot of money in grassroots development.
Dubai hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the from Down Under as they have yet to win a tournament there with their best finish coming back in 2014 where they finished as runners-up.
The Australians have a rather handy squad this year, however, and they could well make an impact out in the desert.
Verdict: South Africa 15/4
With all their stars back for Dubai, the South Africans will be a real threat out in Dubai. They are certainly worth backing at a solid price of 15/4.
