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Gentlemen of Aspen, the defending US National Sevens champions, are hoping to put their frustrating season behind them starting this weekend at Kansas.

The Kansas City Blues Heartland 7s is the penultimate qualifying tournament of the Championship Cup Series (CCS), which culminates in the Finals in Las Vegas on the weekend of the IRB USA 7s 2010.

The tournament is also a West Qualifier for this year’s Nationals, which takes place in San Francisco from August 14th-17th. Despite losing to close rivals the Barbarians in the final of Denver Summer Sevens, the Gents coach Andy Katoa feels like his side are in a decent position to defend their crown.

The Gentlemen are currently in second place in the West region, with the top three from the WRFU qualifying to play in California.

“Trying to be prepared physically and mentally has been tough, but I think that makes this all worthwhile,” Katoa said.

“With the 7s season being so short, if you peak too soon, you're out of the loop toward the end. I hope we peak at nationals.”

With USA Sevens’ Mike Palefau, MVP from the 2008 Nationals, in their ranks they offensively look threatening but their coach is concerned about the points they have leaked.

“We were very inconsistent with our play [all day]. That's the stuff we're trying to iron out. We have to start concentrating on defence a little more. If defence goes well, everything else will be OK,” he said.

“He (Palefau) is a spectacular player and brings a lot to the table,” added Katoa.

“With offense, we're trying to get away from always relying on Mike. But the last couple games, when he had the ball in his hands, it's usually a pretty good result.”

“The last couple of times they (Denver Barbarians) got us, and last year we had their number in the finals of each tournament,” Katoa said. “We have to start concentrating on defence a little more."

Katoa said he'd relish a rematch with the Barbarians should the two advance to the finals again this weekend. His main concern, though, is his squad's health. Five starters are currently battling injuries.

“I've got to wait and see my injury report from Aspen Sports Medicine,” Katoa joked.

“Hopefully, we step on the field Saturday and have some good results but I'm looking down the road. We just need to come out healthy.”