#SA7s Pool C squads: NZL, WAL, POR, USA
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Loading...We round up the team news by pool ahead of the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens, round 3 of the HSBC Sevens World Series – here Pool C featuring the reigning Series and South African champions, New Zealand as well as Wales, Portugal and the USA.
New Zealand – Series ranking: 1st (3rd in Dubai)
New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens names an unchanged squad from the 12 that finished third in Dubai, recovering from a heaviest ever Sevens defeat, 44-0 at the hands of Fiji in the Cup semi, to beat England in the 3rd/4th play-off.
Tietjens’ squad – now comprising full-time Sevens athletes – is the most experienced in the tournament with 293 events between them, although four players – captain DJ Forbes, Lote Raikabula, Tim Mikkelson and Tomasi Cama – account for 218 of those ‘caps’.
One to watch: The list is long with New Zealand. Gillies Kaka was relatively quiet on return from injury in Dubai so expect fireworks from him and fellow stepper Joe Webber.
Wales – Series ranking: 6th (Plate runners-up in Dubai)
With only eight players fit to contest the Plate final against Argentina in Dubai, Wales were down to their bare bones but now start again with a full compliment of 12 after flying in two replacements.
Captain Adam Thomas and Adam Field are unable to compete in PE, replaced by debutant Rhodri Davies and Will Price, who comes in for his 10th World Series tournament.
One to watch: Loose forward James Davies has proved his fitness following an outstanding performance in Dubai that saw him named in the ‘Dream Team’.
Portugal – Series ranking: 13th (Bowl runners-up in Dubai)
Coach Pedro Netto Fernandes makes one change to the side that lost 17-12 to Australia in the Dubai Bowl final, just a week after many of the players had been involved in test match rugby in Lisbon against Canada.
Frederico Oliveira picked up a leg injury during the Dubai tournament and is replaced by debutant Rafael Simoes.
One to watch: Little captain Pedro ‘popcorn’ Leal and also veteran back David Mateus.
USA – Series ranking: 14th (Shield semi-finalists in Dubai)
USA Sevens head coach Matt Hawkins will be asking more of the same 12 players who finished with five losses in Dubai.
Captain Nick Edwards currently sits five tries short of 50 with 45 to his name.
One to watch: Zack Test has been the USA’s outstanding player now for a few seasons.
Courtesy of IRB
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