Dubai: The 2014-15 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series kicks off on Thursday, day one of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, with defending Dubai champions Australia playing South Africa first up at 11am.
With the top four teams from this year’ six-stage series qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games, the season-opener in Dubai is of huge importance.
Last season, New Zealand narrowly beat Australia 96-92 to win their second successive series, since the format’s 2012 inception, in an exciting climax in Amsterdam.
The Dubai leg, however, went Australia’s way in 2013, as they beat their antipodean rivals 35-27 in last year’s final.
World champions New Zealand will begin their quest for a hat-trick of overall titles when they take on China at 11.44am.
The holders had mixed fortunes in the build-up to the tournament, with Huriana Manuel and Kayla McAlister being ruled out through injury, making room for Charlotte Scanlan and Morgan Morrow.
But the dominance of the big two – New Zealand and Australia – is expected to continue, with New Zealand tipped to overcome China, USA and Russia in Pool A and Australia similarly expected to make light work of France, Spain and South Africa in Pool B.
South Africa, will be skippered by Marithy Pienaar, after regular skipper Zenay Jordaan was ruled out through injury, and they will have to produce something special if they are to overcome the determined Aussies.
Australia are also introducing new names to the Sevens. Coach Tim Walsh has helped Tanisha Stanton to switch from netball to rugby, while Chloe Dalton has come across from basketball to this sport – both have been included in the 13-member squad.
Excited at the prospect of starting their season in Dubai, Sharni Williams, who will lead the Australians out onto the field, said: “I played here first of all in 2011 for Australia at this tournament.
“It’s the best way to start a series - with a huge loud crowd it’s my favourite stop without a doubt. Good luck to all our competitors - it’s a massive year in the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series with it being an Olympic qualification year. My message to all the players is: enjoy Dubai and the atmosphere.
“And to the crowds, I’d say: come and watch the best action – rugby sevens is the fastest-growing team-sport in the world for a reason.
“As for the rivalry between us and New Zealand, we have been focusing on our structures, policies and our pool first and foremost. It’s a cliche but it’s so true – we only take it one game at a time,” she added.
Canada, who are the other legitimate title contenders, will be hoping to overcome Brazil, Fiji and England to stay in the running for the Cup semi-finals.
Entry for all is free on Thursday; tickets are still available for Friday and Saturday. For more information on the event and tickets, go to www.dubairugby7s.com.
