Dubai: Rugby legends and HSBC ambassadors Jason Robinson and George Gregan can't wait to watch the big guns fire at the Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby Sevens on Friday.
Talking to XPRESS, Robinson, who won the World Cup with England in 2003, said it would be tough for his side to defend their Dubai Sevens title. "I have spoken to a few of the players and they are keen to get it right in this big leg of the series. Of course they would love to win again, but it would be some task given there are several strong sides waiting to pounce on them," he said.
Robinson was also critical of the drama surrounding England during and after the World Cup. "It's all very disappointing. There was so much bad publicity because of their performance and behaviour. The team are going through a transitional period, but they need to pull up their socks soon with the Six Nations coming up. Besides, we are also hosts to the next World Cup in 2015," he said.
Aussie Gregan who captained his country to the 1999 World Cup, is on his first visit to Dubai. "I went around the city on Sunday and I am really looking forward to seeing for myself the wonderful things that I have heard about the Dubai Sevens.," he said.
As for Australia's chances in a pool containing Scotland and Wales, Gregan said: "It's a tough pool no doubt. Australia are a young team and the idea is to first qualify for the quarters and then take it from there," he said.
Both Robinson and Gregan had fun training kids during their stay and the former England star said: "There's a lot of local talent out here. Some boys are really fast and skilful. All they need is good coaching."
