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more »Middlesex Charity Sevens All-Star VII

Here is our selection for our All-Star VII from Saturday’s Middlesex Charity Sevens as some of the top English Premiership Clubs took on some of the best international and invitational teams around. Who made the cut and who impressed?
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1. Humphrey Kayange (Samurai International) – Kenya’s star captain perhaps didn’t live up to his reputation on last season’s IRB Sevens World Series. But he looked more his old-self on Saturday, linking beautifully with his brother Collins (Injera) and looking elusive in open play as always. Kenya need him at his very best for their medal assault at October’s Games.
2. Simon Hunt (England's Help for Heroes) – With England playing just the two games it was difficult to gauge much. But the experienced Hunt was a comfortable standout. Showing his versatility by lining up in the forwards, he also showed his finishing ability with some crucial touchdowns. Provided an attacking edge in an otherwise blunt England. Surely on the plane to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games?
3. Joe Kava (British Army) – Let’s be honest, at almost 18 stone ‘Big Joe’ doesn’t exactly look like the most dynamic sevens player around. But he is mightily effective with his obvious size acting like a magnet to helpless defenders. It’s not all brawn though, the 30-year-old’s a clever customer with some of his timing and subtle touches in the offload.
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4. Paul Hodgson (London Irish) – Tough choice between Hodgson and Samurai’s Paul Delport. But the London Irish and England man just steals it. Looking really sharp for this stage of his season and seems to relish this tournament. Really clever rugby brain and showed superb hands at times. Was at heart of Irish’s best moments.
5. Delon Armitage (London Irish) – Another England international looking handy. Last season wasn’t a particularly a pleasant one as he recovered from injury, but he seems ready to hit the ground running. He’s adaptable so have no issues playing him at first receiver. Glides past men with ease with that rangy stride and a handy footballer to boot.
6. Charlie Amesbury (Newcastle Falcons) – Already proven his sevens calibre having played for England in past seasons. Although his primary attentions are on the 15-a-side game it has been nice to see him back on a sevens pitch in recent weeks. Put on some size and can now add genuine raw power to his blistering speed.
7. Tom Varndell (London Wasps) – Tough competition as expected for the wing berth. But going to give it to the mercurial Varndell. Was highly motivated for his club’s clash with England and proved the matchwinner. We know about his gas going forward but used it to put some key tackles in also. Looks in good nick for Premiership season.
Replacements
Paul Delport (Samurai International) – Injury cost last year’s South Africa captain much IRB action, but he looks fresh and raring to go now.
Mark Bright (Samurai International) – Might have been surrounded by more high profile stars in the Samurai team but more then held his own. Won ball and some crunching hits.
Rob Vickerman (Newcastle Falcons) – Reckon Ben Ryan would love to have him back in the sevens fold. Cracking player who should do good things for Falcons this year.
Alex Cuthbert (Wales AJT) – Fragile and injury prone at times but Cuthbert is a seriously dangerous customer when fully fit. Showed he is back to something like his best with some decent long range efforts.
Jack Prasad (British Army) – Just love watching this guy on a pitch. Possesses all the tricks and flair but backs it up with tries and massive contributions.





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