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USA Coach Al Caravelli is convinced that using preparation tournaments are crucial for a strong showing in the IRB Sevens World Series.

The United States will be participating at both Mar del Plata in Argentina (5-7 January) and Suva Rugby Festival in Fiji (15-23 January) ahead of the next legs of the World Series in Wellington and their home tournament in Las Vegas. The US joins the SA Vipers in Argentina in the international section of the event.

Caravelli’s squad lost out in the Bowl Semi-Finals in both Dubai and George meaning they have yet to pick up any points in the overall standings thus far. Despite fielding a young and inexperienced squad, and suffering key injuries to Mark Bokhoven and captain Jone Naqica, the coach was not pleased with his team.

“We were not content with our performance,” said Caravelli speaking exclusively to UR7s.

“We all felt we lost a couple of games in Dubai that we should have put away & the same in George. It goes to show you how important it is to have a tournament or two under your belt before Dubai especially when you have an inexperienced team”.

Nick Edwards scored eight tries in Dubai and George, whilst the likes of Mile Pulu, Leonard Peters, and Zach Test also impressed Caravelli. They are expected to form the backbone of the side of the rest of the season although the return of captain Kevin Swiryn, who had been away with the 15-a-side Eagles, gives the side some valuable experience.

“We really improved out set-pieces, especially the scrum and line-outs. Kick-offs were better and our defensive scheme started to come together.

"Things we need to work on is finishing off games or playing an entire game. On day one in Dubai and George we lost 4 games with 1 minute to play. The latter is the biggest item that we will address, added Caravelli.”

The USA has been drawn in Pool C for the next leg of the Series in Wellington (5-6 February) where they will meet Kenya, Tonga, and England.

“For eight of those players in Dubai that was the first IRB tournament they played in. We feel Suva and Mar del Plata will be a big challenge for them and also a great environment to train in alongside some of the best sevens in the world.”

The players selected for these tournaments will make up the majority of the squads for Wellington and Vegas. The coach is especially excited to be heading to Fiji and knows his side will be pushed hard whoever they play.

“It’s going to give more experience for the players some continuity and help identify combinations. The team we take will have to be switched on the entire time since all Fijian teams, clubs, villages, provincial sides can give anyone a run for their money. ”