The Springbok Sevens team is eyeing another good start at one of their favourite hunting grounds where the new and bigger Sevens World Series begins.
South Africa is the defending Dubai champion.
Last December, the Springbok Sevens followed up their excellent win in Dubai with another title triumph at their home tournament in Port Elizabeth, and the South Africans will be eager for a similar start to the season.
Head coach Neil Powell reckons the teams will change their usual approach over the next few months.
Powell says this is such an important season and he is sure they will see some different strategies from the teams.
He says the importance of the season will bring added pressure, and they will also have to adopt to the way teams change their tactics however, it is important for them to concentrate on their job and not to look too far ahead.
Powell expects momentum to be a key factor, especially in the first two tournaments.
South Africa face Samoa, Russia and then Scotland in Pool B.
Meanwhile, Fiji will meet Canada in their first pool match at 6pm this Friday.
They will then take on Japan at 9pm Friday before facing Argentina at 3.28am Saturday.
The Cup quarter finals will start at 8pm Saturday, Cup semis will start at 1.41am Sunday while the Cup final will be at 4.48am Sunday.
Fiji last won the Dubai Sevens in the 2013‑2014 Sevens World Series.
Source: Planet rugby
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