As the second leg of the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series in George draws closer, we take a look at some of the key battles taking place on day one at the Outeniqua Park Stadium, including a repeat of the two Cup semi finals from Dubai…
Pool A - Australia v Wales:
The first pool match of the 2010 Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens sees Dubai Plate runners-up Australia take on reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Wales at 11:37 local time on Friday. The two sides have met just once before in George, in 2008 when Australia won 22-19 in the Bowl semi final.
Australia have won 20 of their 22 previous encounters, including last weekend in Dubai where Michael O'Connor's side won 26-12 in the Plate semi final, with Wales last recording a victory at the 2008 USA Sevens, but Paul John has a more settled and experienced side and, as an opener, it doesn't get much better.
Key clash: John Grant (AUS) v Ifan Evans (WAL): Grant made an immediate impression on the Sevens World Series, scoring nine tries in his first event last weekend. He scored two tries in Australia's Plate semi final victory over Wales, as did Evans. Evans has the experience and scored five tries of his own in Dubai, so this will be one to watch.
"Every game is going to be tough, Wales are a good side and they will be tough to beat. It should be good, hopefully I can get one over on him [Ifan Evans]. He is a good player, from what I have seen," said Grant.
Video - Grant and Evans in Dubai's Seven of the Best:
Pool B - Samoa v Fiji:
A repeat of the Dubai Cup semi final, which Samoa edged 24-21, as the two Pacific Island teams come face to face in what will be one of the most physical matches of day one. The sides have met five times before in George, with Fiji winning all of them, and Samoa head coach Stephen Betham believes it is one of the highlights of any tournament when the two teams meet.
“Island rivalry is always there. Every time we play the Fijians, it is like an older brother against younger brother match. It is always physical, there is no love lost between the two countries, and I am sure it won't be any different this weekend.”
Key clash: Alafoti Fa'osiliva (SAM) v Seremaia Burotu (FIJ): The powerful forwards will need to be at their physical best when these two Pacific giants meet at 19:54. Fa'osilivia got the upper hand at the Dubai Sevens, scoring two tries in the Cup semi final and leading from the front in Lolo Lui's absence through injury, but beware a hurting Fiji, with Burotu also having an eye for the try-line.
Pool C - England v New Zealand:
Another repeat of last weekend's Cup semi finals sees England and New Zealand meet for the second time this year. England have not beaten Gordon Tietjens' side in George since 2003, and have never won back-to-back tournaments. New Zealand are the defending champions in George and will be seeking revenge after their loss in Dubai.
Key clash: Dan Norton (ENG) v Frank Halai (NZL): The young pretenders. Norton and Halai will certainly be ones to watch on this year's Sevens World Series, with the New Zealander the latest in a long line of flying wings to play for Tietjens, and scoring four tries in Dubai. Norton scored just once in Dubai but assisted some decisive tries, and showed his mercurial footwork in setting Ben Gollings up against Australia to help them reach the Cup semi finals.
Pool D - South Africa v Portugal:
Portugal will be hurting after narrowly missing out on the Cup quarter finals in Dubai, and face a tough match against the hosts. They have never beaten South Africa in 10 matches, and will play them in the opening Pool D match at 13:49, but they will be buoyed by their first ever victory over England in Dubai.
"In our last game against the Springboks we lost by just two points, 7-5, so we don’t know, we could always have another first time," said Portugal coach Tomaz Morais.
"It is not easy for us but we like games like that, tough games, with the public support for the home team, but the boys are prepared to do their best in George."
Key clash: Cecil Afrika (RSA) v Frederico Oliveira (POR): Cecil Afrika opened his account for the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series with no fewer than 10 tries in Dubai. Perhaps most importantly was his hat-trick in the Plate final against Australia. Oliveira scored five of his own, including two decisive tries in their historic victory over England in the pool matches.
Pool D - Argentina v Zimbabwe:
These sides will meet for the third time this season having met in the pool stages and the Bowl final in Dubai. One win apiece so far, this match could go either way, but Liam Middleton's side will have the home crowd behind them. They have met twice before in George, with Argentina winning both matches, in 2006 and 2008.
Key clash: Diego Palma (ARG) v Tafadzwa Chitokwindo (ZIM): Two youngsters who could cause defenders a few problems with some express pace. Palma demonstrated his capabilities in Dubai, while Chitokwindo will have a more pivotal role to play in George with his fresh legs.
