Borneo Eagles’ secret hopes at Borneo 7s
Borneo Eagles are quietly optimistic of challenging for honours at the Borneo Sevens which kicks off at the Eagles Rugby Club Stadium here today.
SANDAKAN: Borneo Eagles are quietly optimistic of challenging for honours at the Borneo Sevens which kicks off at the Eagles Rugby Club Stadium here today.
The home club, who are in search of a sixth title, have again assembled a strong side for the competition and are this year coached by former All Black Josh Van Lieshout.
Van Lieshout has called up a potent mix of Fijian and Kiwi players for the competition, which includes All Blacks player Rocky Khan.
"Preparations have gone well so far, we have put in a lot of hard work and I hope we can win it but you should never count your chickens before they have hatched," said Van Lieshout, after Eagles final training session yesterday.
"Hong Kong, who we may play in the quarter or semi-finals, and Iconz, who are from Australia, are probably going to be ones to beat in the competition.
"But we have to focus on getting past the group stage first. We have the Belgium boys for company and also Chinese Taipei, who both have very different styles."
Eagles, who lost to Iconz of Australia in the final last year, have been placed in Group C together with Belgium Barbarians and Chinese Taipei.
Iconz, who have returned to defend their title, are in Group A with Zastava (Russia) and Wipers Tsunami who are from Labuan.
Group B is made up of Malaysia, Hong Kong and Coloundra of Australia while Sabah Eagles, Bangkok 62 and Wipers Hugo (Labuan) are in Group C.
The competition is expected to be equally stiff on the women's side which features top Japanese sides Pearls and Nagato Blues.
Group A comprises Pearls (Japan), Hong Kong Dragons, Singapore HPD and Lady Volcanoes (Philippines).
Nagato Blues (Japan), Southern Districts (Australia), Sabah Eagles and Malaysia are in Group B.
Datuk Frankie Poon, Sabah Youth and Sports Minister, will officially declare the two-day tournament this morning.