Ahead of this weekend's opening round of the HSBC Sevens World Series on Australia's Gold Coast, we take a look at seven players who could make an impact on their side's respective fortunes at the Cbus Stadium.
Cameron Clark, Australia: Cam Clark was named in the Sevens Dream Team last season after his scintillating form on the pitch for Australia. He scored 19 tries and was the fifth highest points scorer, and it was his form that helped carry Australia to two Cup finals in Mick O'Connor's last season in charge. Now under the guidance of Geraint John, Clark could be the catalyst to fire Australia into the top four this season having finished fifth at the end of the 2013/14 season.
Phil Burgess, England: In the absence of last season's leading points’ scorer and captain Tom Mitchell through injury, Burgess will lead an England side containing three debutants for the opening round in Australia. Unlucky to miss out on the rookie of the year award in 2014 with 18 tries, Burgess is now one of the first names on Simon Amor’s team sheet and it will be interesting to see if the impact of being named captain will have on the youngster.
Carlin Isles, USA: The fastest man in rugby is now under the guidance of new USA coach Mike Friday and appears ready to get his time in the Olympics. Isles scored 17 tries last season, including six in Wellington, before he missed the next three rounds after he joined Glasgow Warriors. He certainly has pace to burn, and scored his first-ever try in Rugby Sevens against New Zealand two years ago on the Gold Coast, but it will be interesting to see what else he brings to his game.
Axel Muller, Argentina: Having burst onto the scene at the opening three rounds of the 2013/14 Series, Muller has been included in Santiago Gomez Cora's side for the first time since 2013 having missed six rounds last season through injury. The former decathlete and American Footballer is now back in the side looking fitter than ever, and Argentina will be hoping Muller can stick around to assist in their bid to qualify for the Olympics this season.
Virimi Vakatawa, France: Vakatawa was a big hit with the France side last season, and coach Federic Pommarel will be delighted he has been able to name him in his side for the opening round of the season, alongside the likes of Terry Bouhraoua and Stephen Parez. France only reached three Cups last season and will be hoping to be more consistent this year if they are to improve on their overall position of 10th and challenge the top four.
Afa Aiono, Samoa: An original member of the first-ever IRB Sevens Dream team returns to the fold as Samoa look to forget a disappointing last campaign. Third place at the Oceania Sevens was a start, but Aiono also being joined by Lolo Lui, this could give the Islanders the experience they need to consistently hit the Cups they will need to have any chance of competing for the top four spots.
