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Robin Heymann

With the final leg of the National Series fast approaching this Saturday at the Newquay Surf Sevens we run the rule over the summer’s seven top finishers.

The hard work might be done up front but these are the hotshots that rack up the points and grab the headlines.

1. Gus Qasevakatini (British Army, 16 tries) 

Gus Q’s stock has steadily risen over the last month and reached a crescendo in Manchester. Over the course of five games the elusive flyer crossed a remarkable eleven times. His style of play corresponds perfectly to the brand of sevens the Army play. Loves to run off the shoulders of big men like Kava and Satala and is equally effective supporting Wessels, Burenivalu and Prasad. A National Series star is born.

2. Simon Hunt (Samurai International 11 tries)

Injury has cruelly has robbed Hunt of playing at Manchester and we hear Newquay. But a terrific nine-try salvo at London’s RugbyRocks catapulted him up the charts in one of his best seasons in memory. A ‘Big Game’ performer who will score at crucial junctures. Seems criminal that he has only been on periphery of England Sevens over the years. Hugely respected by his contemporaries who rate him as one of the very best in the UK.
 

3. Maike Burenivalu (British Army 12 tries)

Don’t be fooled by that big wide grin which is permanently flashing on the National Series. ‘Bunny’ is one of the most deadly finishers around. Along with Qasevakatini has that ability to support from depth and possesses blinding acceleration. Seven tries in Manchester shows the experienced Army man is hitting form at the right time.

4. Tyson Lewis (HFW Wailers, 11 tries)

Saw plenty of ball in London (7 tries) but a quieter haul at West Country (2) and Manchester (2) has left the normally jovial Blackheath winger a tad frustrated. With bags of pace throughout the Wailers it’s perhaps no surprise the tries get shared out. But Lewis gives them that X-Factor though, always sniffing the try-line with eye-popping feet.

5. Miles Mantella (White Hart Marauders, 11 tries)

Despite just being 18 years old the Harlequins bound teenager is already starting to build a reputation. Doesn’t have the electric feet of a Matthew Tait but reminds me of the England international in his confidence to motor through the narrowest of holes. Potent finisher whose tally looks even more impressive considering how he missed the opening leg.

6. Geoff Griffiths (Samurai International, 9 tries)

In between blogging duties for UR7s has been one of Samurai’s most consistent performers. Deceptively quick with his pace generated from raw power and leg drive. Crosses the chalk at valuable times in games akin to colleague Simon Hunt. An intelligent sevens brain is a valuable tool at this level and when he is not scoring tries Griffiths makes sensible and error-free decisions. England Sevens should take a look.

7. Hamish Smales (HFW Wailers, 8 tries)

Although the former Exeter University man is a Wailer through and through, such is their ability to attract big names it was unknown early on if he would be a regular starter. Similar type of player to New Zealand Sevens’ Kurt Baker. Performs the basics so well and has the ability to score from anywhere on the field – an obvious bonus. A memorable effort in Manchester against Samurai will long live in the memory; tracking back, causing a turnover, stepping, and burning England’s John Brake.