Hungry pack chasing Springboks

Dubai: South Africa are the narrow favourites to retain their Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens title when the action gets underway today, but the last event to be staged at the Dubai Exiles is far from clear cut with several sides equipped to take honours.

Coach Paul Treu has done everything humanly possible to ensure his squad go into the traditional first leg of the IRB World Series in perfect shape with nothing being left to chance.

But New Zealand, who have dominated the world series since its inception, winning seven of the eight titles on offer, also have the pace, power and potential to win in Dubai for the first time since 2002.

And it would be a major surprise if Fiji were not in the mix too, despite turning to a new-look squad for the campaign after the disappointments of seeing the world crown slip from their grasp at virtually the final hurdle last season.

One side that have stayed under the radar in all the pre-tournament hype is Samoa. Yet in many respects they were one of the most improved and impressive performers last season, finishing a best-ever third in the overall standings.

The islanders won in both Wellington and Hong Kong, and also reached the finals in San Diego and Adelaide. They have battled through to the final in Dubai once before, back in 2002, and it can only be a matter of time before they go one step further here.

Partisan crowd

England, Dubai champions in 2004 and 2005, are sensibly trying to be realistic in terms of expectation after naming a squad consisting mainly of untried performers at this level.

But even without the experience of Simon Amor and Ben Gollings this side is sure to be competitive and lifted by a partisan crowd.

Wales coach Dai Rees, meanwhile, has set his squad the target of winning a first cup title this season after becoming a core team for the world series.

A clutch of exciting young newcomers will boost Wales who reached two semi-finals in the last campaign.

Australia are another side that would like to punch with the same weight at sevens as they do at 15s.

And under new coach Bill Millard and captain Shawn Mackay this could be the year for the men in the gold jerseys to take a big step forward.

Argentina, who can call on the leading try scorer in world series history in Santiago Gomez Cora, have been forced into one late change, with Agustin Gosio replacing Martin Rodriquez because of a knee injury.

Weather update: Leave umbrellas at home

Rugby fans can take comfort in knowing that no rain has been forecast for the next 72 hours. The Central Forecast Office at Abu Dhabi Meteorological Department said the conditions would remain cool and fair to partly cloudy.

"We see no chance of rain, but the temperature could drop down to the normal values," said a forecaster.

The 2006 Sevens experienced an unprecedented amount of rain on the final day. In the worst rain Dubai has seen for 13 years, South Africa trudged through the mud to beat New Zealand 31-12 and capture the title.

-Aftab Kazmi