Pools named for Dubai Sevens

Editor

The International Rugby Board has announced the pools and matches for the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai.

The International Rugby Board has announced the pools and matches for the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai.

Leaders Fiji will take on Argentina, France and Brazil in Pool A as they look to build on their impressive display in the opening event on the Gold Coast.

They dominated from start to finish in Australia, winning the final 31-24 against Samoa, and will also take confidence from the fact they won in Dubai last year.

Defending overall champions New Zealand were surprisingly knocked out in the quarter-finals last time out and will look to bounce back in Pool B which also features Samoa, Scotland and Japan.

Pool C looks very tough with four strong teams, led by England and Australia. Joining them will be Kenya and the USA in what should be a tight battle for a place in the last eight.

Finally South Africa are the team to beat in Pool D after their semi-final appearance on the Gold Coast. They will be up against Wales, Canada and Portugal.

“We have been privileged to see many fiercely-contested matches over the years at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. However, what adds some extra spice to this year’s tournaments in Dubai is the race to snap up direct Olympic qualification spots,” said Jim Fitzsimons, Tournament Director.

“The draw here offers some really exciting match-ups right from the group stage, in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

“There’s lots of potential for upsets as well, which means no team can take anything for granted. Fans can once again look forward to exciting and closely-fought encounters.”

Pools for Dubai Sevens

Pool A: Fiji, Argentina, France, Brazil
Pool B: Samoa, New Zealand, Scotland, Japan
Pool C: England, Australia, USA, Kenya
Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Portugal, Canada