The way Sevens is played has changed quite a bit since James Stannard had his first taste of the code, back in 2010.
Speaking 24 hours before the Australian Men's Sevens side kick off their the 2017/18 World Series against Wales tomorrow, Stannard recalled a very different style of play to what he expects from the Welsh and the Fiji Airways Mens 7s team.
Stannard says this means they cannot take Fiji, Wales and Russia lightly despite their pre-season success in the last three tournaments.
He adds that finishing the day with Fiji will be a difficult task but they are up for the challenge.
As the team veteran, Stannard has welcomed the inclusion of rookies Maurice Longbottom and Ben O'Donnell.
Meanwhile the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team will take on Russia at 7.06pm tomorrow in their first game, they will then face Wales at 10.06pm tomorrow before facing Australia at 4.06am Saturday in their last pool match of the Dubai 7s.
The Women’s competition kicks off tonight with the Fijiana taking on Ireland at 9pm, they will then face Spain at 11.56pm before taking on Canada at 3.15am tomorrow.
Barring any upsets, the Fiji Men’s team is likely to meet Scotland or France in the quarter final, they are likely to take on England or Australia in the semifinal, or New Zealand or South Africa in the final.
The Medal quarterfinals will start at 6.30pm Saturday, the semifinals will be held at 1.19am Sunday while the final will kick off at 4.33am Sunday.
South Africa are the defending champions. Fiji has only won the Dubai 7s title twice which was in 2013 and 2015. We have lost out in the final seven times.
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