USA 7s head coach Al Caravelli named his new-look team for the final two tournaments of the 2009/2010 IRB Sevens World Series.

As with any camp players are unfortunately unavailable for various reasons: Matt Hawkins is spending much needed valuable time with his family after the birth of his second child (A MASSIVE congratulations to the Polar Bear and his family from UR7s.com!); Thretton Palamo and Zach Pangelinan have university obligations while Leonard Peters and Nick Edwards are staying home for personal reasons.

One of Caravelli’s strength’s is making do with the cards he is dealt in life – which is the same when certain starters aren’t available.

‘Adapt and overcome’ is one of his mottos.

“This is the first team I have ever taken where everyone scored over a 13 on the beep test,” Caravelli said. “This overall team fitness will allow us to play the type of game we want to play.”

Kevin Swiryn captains the side, and his leadership has been key to the success of this season. Swiryn – who recently signed a professional contract for French club Agen – will also be key to the Eagle’s Churchill Cup campaign.

Also returning from the squad that made the final in Adelaide and the quarter-finals in Hong Kong are veterans Paul Emerick (vice captain), Mark Bokhoven, Zach Test, Shalom Suniula, Marco Barnard and football convert Tommy Saunders.

The talented Tai Enosa returns to the fold, having played for the USA 7s side in 2009. Since then he has been on fine form for Belmont Shore – in both the successful 15s and sevens sides. He has the potential to fill the vital role of flyhalf – a position that has been dominated by the Malifa twins (Nese and Ata) and Jone Naqica.

BYU number 8 Ryan Roundy is the only player picked who was in his first camp, and certainly impressed Caravelli.

“Ryan has a lot of upside,” said Caravelli. “He’s been able to absorb plenty in a short space of time. He reminds me of Rikus Pretorius in how he plays, except he’s stronger. He’s very good, but has so much more potential.”

Scully adds versatility as he can play center, wing or prop, and like Zach Test shows some ability in catching the high ball.

Hawley is a smooth-running back and he and Ross, the fastest player on the squad, show deceptive strength in their relatively slight frames.

In the final two days of camp, Leonard Peters and University of Tennessee star Benji Goff stayed at Chula Vista to allow the squad to run 7-on-7 scrimmages. Goff had an outstanding camp and was close to being selected.

“He’s a hard runner who reminds me of Paul Emerick,” said Caravelli. “He’s got a lot of potential.”

The USA currently has 32 IRB points and is in 9th position in the World Series. The final two tournaments will be vital in achieving the goal of finishing in the top 10, with Argentina in 8th position only 6 points ahead on 38.

Caravelli’s men will face Samoa, Argentina and Italy during pool play at the London Sevens on May 22/23. In fact the United States take on Samoa in the opening match of the tournament – hoping to dethrone the champions.

The final tournament of the season sees America in Pool D with Fiji, Wales and hosts Scotland.

It is going to be an action-packed couple of weeks!

USA Sevens squad to London and Edinburgh:

Marco Barnard (Kutztown University) *6, Mark Bokhoven (Denver Barbarians) *16, Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma) *13, Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore) *3, Colin Hawley (University of California) *1, Alex Ross (San Diego State University) *3, Ryan Roundy (BYU) *0, Tommy Saunders (KC Blues) *1, Blaine Scully (University of California) *2
Shalom Suniula (Unattached) *13, Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach) *12, Zack Test (Loughborough University) *7

* = IRB Tournament appearances

www.pakiscorner.com