In the run-up to the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, we preview all the teams, including Pool F spearheaded by World Cup semi finalists Kenya who face matches against USA, Scotland and West Indies on days one and two.

Kenya's Sevens team is living proof that investment in time, effort and talent can pay off at any level.

In the past, the Africans were known for their giant-killing feats - pacy runners able to outstrip the best on their day but just as often let down by poor organisation and defence - but today they arrive in Hong Kong as genuine title contenders, a world class Sevens team.

This is the same Kenya that is ranked 39th in the IRB World Rankings for the 15-a-side game. Ironically, in fact, the team's success has put rugby Sevens on the map in their country instead of 15s and their recent victory over Fiji at the Rugby World Cup Sevens, to add to previous wins this term against New Zealand and South Africa, has taken expectation to new heights.

"Reaching the semi finals and playing the way we did at the World Cup really motivated the team, we knew we could have done it but we're picking ourselves up now and thinking that maybe if we didn't do it there, maybe we can do it here," said captain Humphrey Kayange.

"Maybe nobody's been noticing, but we've been improving step by step. Last year we were top seeds here too, so we're just aiming to carry on where we left off.

"We have tricky ties in our pool against USA and Scotland, but overall I think that each and every team will be out there to prove themselves after the World Cup. Every team is out to prove something here."

Twice Cup semi finalists this season, the Africans are now targeting a first ever final.

"Most definitely, we're looking to go a step further, at least break that semi final jinx and reach a final and take it on from there," added Kayange.

Pool F low-down
 
Kenya
 
IRB Sevens World Series 2008/09:
Dubai: Plate Final, lost v Samoa 7-12
George: Bowl SF, lost v France 14-19
Wellington: Cup SF, lost v England 0-24
San Diego: Plate Final, lost v NZ 7-22
 
Current Series Position:
6th, 24pts
 
Hong Kong Sevens 2008:
Cup QF, lost v Fiji 0-10
 
Form guide:
Probably the world's most popular team judging by the fanatical support that greets them throughout the world, but also a reflection of their athletic style of play that can be a sheer delight to watch. A famous victory over lacklustre Fiji in the World Cup, but perhaps they peaked too soon, never really getting to grips with the feisty, effective Argentinians in the semi final.

The establishment of a semi-contracted squad has certainly paid handsome dividends. The brothers in arms - captain Humphrey Kayange and sublime finisher Collins Injera - have been outstanding amongst a close-knit group and they might yet take Hong Kong by storm this time round.

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USA
 
IRB Sevens World Series 2008/09:
Dubai: Shield Final, won v Argentina 31-7
George: Plate SF, lost v Portugal 7-24
Wellington: Plate SF, lost v South Africa 0-22
San Diego: Cup SF, lost v Argentina 14-19
 
Current Series Position:
7th, 20 points
 
Hong Kong Sevens 2008:
Plate QF, lost v Canada 21-24
 
Form guide:
Coach Al Caravelli has built a squad that is heading in the right direction and, even without Chris Wyles and Todd Clever, who now bid farewell to the Sevens game to concentrate on their club careers, there is hope. Kevin Swiryn has been a real find this season and now captains the team and Matt Hawkins, James Gillenwater and Justin Boyd have really come of age alongside the well-established Nese Malifa and Jone Naqica.

Expect a big performance too from Thretton Palamo, released by his club Biarritz and another of the new breed.

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Scotland
 
IRB Sevens World Series 2008/09:
Dubai: Shield SF, lost v USA 14-17
George: Shield Final, lost v Zimbabwe 0-26
Wellington: Shield Final, won v Niue 26-0
San Diego: Bowl SF, lost v France 12-17
 
Current Series Position:
unranked, 0 points
 
Hong Kong Sevens 2008:
Plate QF, lost v Argentina 5-7
 
Form guide:
Scotland came through like an express train on day three of the World Cup, winning all three games against France, Portugal and Australia to worthily clinch the Plate. It was a performance full of character and discipline to follow their one poor outing, in the opening game versus Canada.

Credit to coach Steve Gemmell and his squad for their preparation and ability to play fine Sevens after disappointing tournaments in the build-up. In captain Colin Gregor they have a superb specialist while Scott Forrest, Mike Adamson, Roddy Grant and Jim Thompson all have potential star quality.

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West Indies
 
IRB Sevens World Series 2008/09:
unranked, first appearance
 
Hong Kong Sevens 2008:
Did not participate
 
Form guide:
It will be a thrilling experience for the young men of this West Indies squad, whose last IRB Sevens appearance was in San Diego just over a year ago. To come in 'cold' will not be easy and they have yet to win a game, so don't expect miracles but in San Diego they did score at least one try in every game, and came within two points of beating Chile.

Genuine pace out wide if they can secure enough ball and watch out for Claudius Butts, a Sevens player of genuine quality.