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UR7s 'Best of London/Edinburgh VII'

Tuesday 1 June 2010 (UR7s & Photo IRB/Martin Seras Lima)

After each of the back-to-back legs on the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series, Robin Heymann has picked a side from the players he feels have delivered the most over the two tournaments. It's time to select a VII from the final legs of the year at London and Edinburgh.

Agree or disagree we want to hear your thoughts so please leave some comments. Who did we miss out? Who have you enjoyed watching this season? Let us hear your views Sevens fans so comment below.

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1.Afa Aiono (Samoa) – Hasn’t always grabbed the headlines in this Samoan team but has added another dimension to Samoa’s forward pack. Preferred in the starting VII ahead of the power of Ofisa Treviranus for most London & Edinburgh, Aiono’s mobility and acceleration just added another piece to jigsaw.

2. Roddy Grant (Scotland) – Missing all season due to his commitments with Edinburgh Rugby, but what a difference Grant makes to the Scots when he plays. In the thick of the action at breakdown time and possesses strength and intelligence. Always seems to be on the shoulder of a teammate going forward. Scores key tries and his presence seems to fill his teammates with confidence.

3. Henry Vanderglas (Australia) – The ACT Brumbies man return to the sevens set-up proved inspired. Simply fantastic at Twickenham during the Australian’s first Series win in eight years, backed up a week later in Edinburgh. Bossed the restarts and his link play is top notch. With great hands and relentless desire and ability to pop up in the right place.

4. James Stannard (Australia) - Has steadily improved all season with his Tour de Force surely that remarkable performance in the London Sevens final. Scoring key tries and making try-saving tackles he relished the mantle of captain and organised and orchestrated his young charges excellently. Key man for the Aussies heading into the Commonwealth Games.

5. Lolo Lui (Samoa) – Inspirational. Samoa’s captain showed his worth in attack in both London and Edinburgh. Crucial mini-breaks which althoughhe doesn’t always finish, normally sets-up one of his colleagues. And there is of course his drop-goals which have got his side out of many a sticky situation. Unflappable under pressure.

6. Brackin Karauria-Henry (Australia) – Started the season off as a talented but raw youngster, finished it as one of the outstanding players on the Series. All the attributes required for sevens and has the creative touch to make some magic happen from nothing. Special feet, speed, and top-class finishing. Super 15 must be calling.

7. Sean Duke (Canada) - The lightning quick Duke scored 11 tries over the course of the two, including some thrilling late scores in London. Gives a completely different element to Morgan Williams’ squad and boasting such a weapon often means you get on the right side of close matches, as proved the case.

Replacements:

Mark Bokhoven (USA) – The big unit from Denver got plenty of game time over the past couple of weeks and made an impact. Perhaps taking inspiration from the performances of fellow forwards Matt Hawkins and Paul Emerick in previous tournaments, Bokhoven’s physicality and athleticism around the park stood out.

Clinton Sills (Australia) - Started the season off with a bang and finished with one too. Injuries have plagued him this year but when he is fit, the winger is definite match-winner. Pace and a scything step and a constant threat from deep. Nine tries in London.

Mat Turner (England) – Was probably going to be playing second fiddle to Ollie Phillips when the London and Edinburgh squads were revealed. But with Phillips pulled from the squad, it was Turner who provided the cutting thrust from centre for England. Low centre of gravity makes him tough to put down with quick feet and solid defence.

Tim Mikkelson (New Zealand) – Versatile as can play in the forwards. Along with Baker and Stowers a genuine try-scorer threat for New Zealand and gives them a different dimension with his height.

Alafoti Fa’osiliva  (Samoa) – Yet another appearance in these ‘ Best of..’ teams for one of the player’s of the year. 10 tries over the two legs isn’t bad going for a forward. Does the basics so well and has outrageous stamina and fitness.

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Related Articles:

UR7s 'Best of Adelaide/Hong Kong VII'
UR7s - 'Best of Wellington/Las Vegas VII'
UR7s - 'Best of Dubai/George VII'

 

 


 

 

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