The 2014 HSBC rugby sevens season is set to start on January 24th and it promises to be very exciting. With only one week to go, sixteen countries are getting ready for this huge event. The competition is very high and should be a lot of fun to watch. The Canadian sevens side has been put into a very tough pool A consisting of Kenya, Wales and last Tournament’s Defending Champions from South Africa. Every team has at least one or two players to keep an eye on during the tournament.
With John Paul stepping down as the Head coach of the Welsh side, there could be some ups and down for Wales heading into Las Vegas. Gareth Williams, former assistant coach for Wales, will act as interim coach in Las Vegas. With the 5th most tries this year, James Davies is definitely a player you should keep your eye out for during the tournament. He is a fast and powerful young player who always has a few tricks up his sleeve. Another player to watch out for from Wales is Lee Williams. Williams is a terrific playmaker, he has quick feet and a fantastic arm. Williams is a veteran and is an important leader for Wales.
Kenya is a very big, fast and athletic team. With a strong defense and offense, the Kenyans will definitely be very competitive side in Las Vegas. A player to watch from Kenya is Willie Ambaka. Ambaka is a known as a “freight train”. With his extreme pace and athletic ability’s he is a youngster that you have to look out for. Also keep an eye out for Collins Injera. Injera is Kenya’s top try scorer and certainly one of the fastest in the circuit. He is also a key leader for Kenya. Injera will be the captain for Kenya in Las Vegas.
South Africa is one of the best teams in the circuit, filled with an explosive offense and a strong defense. Coming into this tournament being last tournament champions and defending champions of Las Vegas gives them an advantage. Watch out for Cecil Afrika, one of the star players for South Africa. Afrika is an exceptional player with extreme pace. He is a very good offensive player but he is also a fantastic defensive player. Another player to watch is Branco Du Preez. Another player to watch from South Africa is Branco Du Preez. Du Preez is a very quick player with very quick feet, always eyeing the hole in the defense. Du Preez led South Africa last tournament with tries and should deliver in Las Vegas.
Canada also has a few players looking to make an impact. Youngster Justin Douglas is someone you want to keep an eye out for, not just in Las Vegas, but also in the future. In his second season with Canada’s national team, Douglas is a promising young player. With his amazing speed he has been able to score 8 tries so far this season, and I am sure many more. Also keep an eye out for John Moonlight. Moonlight is a strong offensive player with defensive instincts. He can tackle, run and obviously (with ten tries so far this season) can score tries. Moonlight will also be Captaining Canada in Las Vegas
Canada’s roster has also been announced. There will be six returning players from Port Elizabeth and four players who have already made appearances this season. That leaves one spot open, making his debut is from Ontario is Jordan Wilson-Ross. The newest member must step up to the spotlight and deliver in Vegas. So what do you think? Will Canada succeed or come up short?
Connor Braid
Nanyak Dala
Justin Douglas
Sean Ferguson
Harry Jones
Phil Mack
Duncan Maguire
John Moonlight
Mick Scholz
Conor Trainor
Sean White
Jordan Wilson-Ross
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