Arabian Gulf
	Colours:	White & Black
	Star Man:	Stephen Cooper
	Previous Best:	Debut
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

With the hosts always the crowd favourites at the Dubai Sevens the local team will be looking to upset the odds and take some major scalps. Placed in probably the most physical pool in the competition they have their work out but will take some solace from having recently drawn 12-12 with Tonga who they face in Dubai. Making their World Cup debut.

	Italy
	Colours:	Blue
	Star Man:	Manuela Furlan
	Previous Best:	Bowl Winners 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

Despite making strides in the fifteen-a-side game Italy’s sevens is still a work in progress. They did win the Bowl at the last World Cup in 2005, but with excursions in the IRB limited to Twickenham and Murrayfield they are not fancied to cause too many fireworks in the desert.

	New Zealand
	Colours:	Black
	Star Man:	DJ Forbes
	Previous Best:	Cup Winners 2001
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Cup Winners

The most successful sevens team over the past decade, they dominated last season, phenomenally going 47 games unbeaten. It hasn’t been such an easy run recently though with a backlog of injuries meaning the Kiwis still find themselves without a series win for 08/09. Tietjens still has a wealth of talent at his disposal for Dubai combining experience, gas and raw power in an all out bid to reclaim the title they lost to great rivals Fiji in 2005.

	Tonga
	Colours:	Red
	Star Man:	John Cocker
	Previous Best:	Plate Winners 1997
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

It may sound clichéd but yes Tonga are big physical unit who enjoy leaving their mark on their opposition whilst perhaps lacking the natural athleticism of Fiji or Samoa. They recently put in a respectable performance in Wellington reaching the final of the Bowl but know they are capable of so much more as their superb win over Kenya in the 2008 Adelaide Plate Final illustrated.

	Georgia
	Colours:	Navy Blue
	Star Man:	George Shkinin
	Previous Best:	Plate Finalists 2001
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

Although Georgia are more famed for their brutal scrummaging then their sevens they are slowly making strides. After success at the FIRA-AER tournaments in Europe last year they qualified for part of the IRB circuit. They may have lost every game in Dubai and George but it was ultimately a great learning curve for the Georgian youngsters, of which the majority have only being playing sevens for a year or so.

	France
	Colours:	Blue
	Star Man:	Julien Malzieu
	Previous Best:	Cup Quarter-Finalists 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

It would be fair to say that sevens hasn’t been always been high on the agenda of the FRU, with ‘Les Bleus’ often struggling in the shortened format. A recent player clearout as seen new recruits from France’s top 14 being blooded on the circuit, with an emphasis on quick and athletic players who require ‘seasoning’. Need to start converting Bowl and Plate wins into more Cup appearances.

	Fiji
	Colours:	White
	Star Man:	Neumi Nanuku
	Previous Best:	Winners 1997, 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Quarter Finals

It’s been a difficult few months for the defending World Cup champions through the removal of Serevi as head coach and a young and experienced squad struggling to pick up points on the IRB circuit. The selectors have called on some experienced overseas based reinforcements, but questions marks hang over their sevens specific fitness. Write Fiji off at your peril though.

	USA
	Colours:	White & Red
	Star Man:	Chris Wyles
	Previous Best:	Bowl Winners 1997
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Quarter Finals

Now firmly established as one of the core 12 on the circuit, the States are one of the form teams heading here, narrowly missing out of their first Cup final at their home event in San Diego amid some contentious refereeing. Taking consistency from the pool stages to the knockouts has proved difficult but the side has nice balance of steppers, gas-men, and physicality. With a number of experienced elder statesmen set for retirement post Dubai this is their time.

	Canada
	Colours:	Dark Red
	Star Man:	Dave Moonlight
	Previous Best:	Cup Quarter-Finalists 2001
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

Dumped as one of the IRB Sevens’ core 12 teams, Canada have now come back with a younger and hungrier side. Bringing possibly the most physical and aggressive defence on the circuit Shane Thompson’s men head to Dubai in confident mood after taking home the Bowl in San Diego.

	South Africa
	Colours:	Green
	Star Man:	Neil Powell
	Previous Best:	Runners Up 1997
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Semi Finals

The Boks will be chasing a unique double of being the only nation to be holders of both 15s and 7s world cup at the same time. Despite a few recent hiccups South Africa are joint leaders in the series and come into Dubai as one of the favourites. Combining blazing speed and arguably the most disciplined and dedicated defensive unit on the circuit, Paul Treu’s boys have also developed genuine composure to prevail in tight games.

	Scotland
	Colours:	Navy Blue
	Star Man:	Rob Dewey
	Previous Best:	Bowl Finalists
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

The plucky Scots enjoyed a successful campaign World Cup in 2005 before eventually coming undone in the last 8 against their auld enemy, England. Looking good in hand and a high work-rate is one thing but Gemmell knows that improvement at the breakdown and full concentration for the 14 minutes are the key factors that will generate more wins.

	Japan
	Colours:	Red & White
	Star Man:	Hidefumi Yamamoto
	Previous Best:	Bowl Winners 1993
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

The Japanese generally enjoy themselves at the World Cup, reaching the latter stages of the Plate competition in 2001 and 2005. They enjoyed some success at the Asian Championship beating Hong Kong but need to get more game time on the IRB circuit to make themselves competitive. Typically quick and daring and always guaranteed to get the fans off their seats.

	Australia
	Colours:	Yellow
	Star Man:	Damon Murphy
	Previous Best:	Runners Up 1993, 2001
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

It might surprise people but Australia have very much become your mid-table IRB Sevens journeymen - occasionally showing glimpses of form but ultimately leaving tournaments deflated. Coach and dual international O’Conner has revamped the squad sacking off experienced players in favour of speed, youth, athleticism and the odd League convert. They are showing promise but a gap still appears amongst the upper echelon.

	Ireland
	Colours:	Green
	Star Man:	Brian Carney
	Previous Best:	Cup Semi-Finalists 1993
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

Ireland’s international sevens opportunities might be limited but their World Cup campaign has lasted 18 months, including the European Championships last summer gaining them qualification for Dubai. Facing the toughest group in the tournament makes the task for John Kerr’s squad, including GB Rugby League Star Brian Carney, just that much harder.

	Portugal
	Colours:	Red
	Star Man:	David Mateus
	Previous Best:	Plate Runners Up 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

The most improved side without question on the circuit the Portugese are this season’s success story. Although they weren’t in Wellington and San Diego, they enjoyed wins over France, Wales, Samoa, and Kenya in Dubai and George - catapulting them as viable contenders for success here. Officially European Champions following their win at the Hannover Sevens last year they possess the flyers and nuggety tenaciousness that are pre-requisites for any successful sevens unit.

	Samoa
	Colours:	Blue
	Star Man:	Alatasi Tupou
	Previous Best:	Plate Winners 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Quarter Finals

Samoa are the epitome of the modern-day say international sevens team. Highly abrasive and not afraid to take contact, they also have the playmakers and flyers to carve anyone apart. For the past two seasons Samoa have finished third in the IRB Sevens World Series, but so far this year they have been strangely off key and haven’t gone past the Cup quarters. Now back in Dubai with a full squad, Rudi Moors’ boys have the perfect stage to rekindle last season’s magic.

	England
	Colours:	White
	Star Man:	Ben Gollings
	Previous Best:	Cup Winners 1993
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Runners Up

England have really clicked into gear this season and have now been in four of the last five finals in the Series. With arguably the most athletically superior squad in the competition, Coach Ben Ryan has certainly benefited from consistency in selection helping to cultivate the most athletically superior side in the competition. Combined with real experience, physicality, tactical kicking, and speedsters, they are looking in a good place to reclaim the title they won in 93.

	Hong Kong
	Colours:	Dark Blue
	Star Man:	Rowan Varty
	Previous Best:	Plate Runners Up 1997
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

HK may have played in every single World Cup to date but their record isn’t one to write home about. Only eligible for two IRB tournaments in the series, Sevens experience is bred through various tournaments round the world such as Darwin, where they operate under the guise of ‘The Dragons’. With five of the squad on central contracts the set up is looking more professional but face a tough group in Dubai.

	Kenya
	Colours:	Red, Green & Black
	Star Man:	Collins Injera
	Previous Best:	Bowl Semi-Finalists 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Quarter Finals

One the best loved teams on the circuit Kenya are a different animal from the team that played in the 2005 World Cup. Capable of beating any of the big guns on their day, such as recent wins against New Zealand and South Africa have shown, they are also frustratingly inconsistent as their defeat by Uruguay in San Diego showed. With frightening speed littered from 1 to 7 they can strike from anywhere but ultimately need to work on their close contact work.

	Tunisia
	Colours:	Red
	Star Man:	Sabri Gmir
	Previous Best:	Plate Quarter-Finalists 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

The Tunisians had to grit their teeth to qualify for Dubai, edging out Namibia in a third place play off. They shocked the world at the last World Cup beating the Boks in the ultimate giant kill. Despite a very limited playing pool, coach South African-born coach Danie de Villiers will tell you his side are not here to make up the numbers.

	Argentina
	Colours:	Light Blue & White
	Star Man:	Santiago Gomez Cora
	Previous Best:	Plate Winners 1993
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Semi Finals

The Pumas have been a revelation in recent weeks, impressing in Wellington and taking the title in San Diego, their first since 2004. Their World Cup record is a relatively strong one but 2009 will be the South Americans most serious assault yet for the game’s crown jewels. Often a real nuisance to play against being quick to disrupt or break up the opposition’s rhythm with relentless and aggressive defence. Will fancy their chances in this group.

	Wales
	Colours:	Red
	Star Man:	Richie Pugh
	Previous Best:	Plate Semi-Finalists 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

The Welsh have flickered briefly this season with their best moment undoubtedly silencing the home crowd with a stunning 28-17 win over the Kiwis on day 1 in Wellington. Although Sevens is fundamentally a development tool for the all conquering 15s squad, Paul John must get frustrated that that his side often seem incapable of putting in a complete 14 minute performance.

	Zimbabwe
	Colours:	Green & Black
	Star Man:	Ryan Manyika
	Previous Best:	Bowl Quarter Finalists 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

The Cheetahs kick off the tournament on Thursday facing the Welsh. With IRB appearances this season just limited to Dubai and George, Zimbabwe will be playing catch up, the rest of their Pool having had a good run-out in the USA giving them the opportunity for fine-tuning. After failing to qualify for Hong Kong in 2005 coach Middleton has targeted a Plate or Bowl final this time around.

	Uraguay
	Colours:	Light Blue
	Star Man:	Ignacio Crosa
	Previous Best:	Bowl Quarter Finalists 2005
	UR7s’ Prediction:	Pool Stages

Uruguay are no strangers to sevens annually hosting the much respected Punta del Este tournament, which this year acted as South American World Cup qualification. Here Los Teros outlasted Chile to reach Rugby Sevens’ pièce de résistance. They proved the darlings of San Diego a couple of weeks ago knocking over Kenya 14-12 in the group stages and reaching the Shield Final. Thriving off scrappy play and totally committed in defence they are on the hunt for scalps in Dubai.