Sevens stars shine brightly
The World Series promises to throw up a galaxy of talent
WITH Day One of the opening leg of the 2018/19 World Sevens Series done and dusted, things are guaranteed to get even hotter in the Arabian desert when the top eight teams fight it out in the Cup quarter-finals today.
So, after a few fire performances yesterday, we look at five of the hottest players from some of the quarter-final contestants.
ROSKO SPECMAN
South Africa
The only thing quicker than Rosko Specman’s feet is his ability to create magic.
In their opener against Zimbabwe, he came off the bench and immediately added massive impact. Proof? His defence-humiliating pace that saw him step and glide his way to the tryline... twice.
He’s set on delivering some Specmagic before he heads to the Bulls next season, and we have every reason to believe he’ll do just that.
Besides, after that disappointing end against Argentina in the last match on Day One, Specman, pictured, and co will sure want to make up for it today.
DAN NORTON
England
For years now Dan Norton has been one of the most exciting names on the circuit.
His electric pace and footwork has become a familiar sight in the World Series, and if you look at his try-scoring record, it’s easy to see why.
The competition’s all-time top try-scorer yesterday reached a new milestone when he added to his 299 tries, racked up before going to Dubai.
And in their last game yesterday, against Australia, the finisher turned provider as he set up a stunner of a try with a beauty of a step and offload.
He’s one of the world’s best. He’s a try-scoring machine. He’s Dan the Man.
But for now just call him Mr 300.
JERRY TUWAI
Fiji
The way the Fijian talisman set up a try against Scotland by beating defenders with his feet before throwing a basketball pass to a mate in space showed his class.
But that was nothing new. The Little Magician’s consistent contributions are as much a trademark of this Fijian team as their rangy, powerful running and support play.
He’s always ready to pounce. He’s one to watch. Always.
CARLIN ISLES
USA
There’s no substitute for pace – and if you don’t fully agree with that statement, you just had to have seen the USA flyer accelerate and round New Zealand on Day One to be convinced.
The USA may have struggled to get fluidity at times, but when they do get it right, this man will be dangerous – what he did against the Kiwis was just a sneak peak.
MAURICE LONGBOTTOM
Australia
He scored five tries on Day One, with his last one coming against England in their last match of the day when he exploited a gap to score under the posts.
Remember that try – or rather, that piece of art – he scored against France in a tournament in Munich last year? Before he dotted down, he took the ball from the base of the ruck, threw a dummy to the right, shot up the blindside on the left, goose stepped and literally danced around the poor French, many of them – back and forth – before smoking past a last defender to score.
That description cannot do that sequence of brilliance justice, nothing could. Point is, he’s a sorcerer with the oval and it’ll be superb to see what he whips up today.
WORTH A MENTION
Tom Mitchell (England), Scott Curry (New Zealand), Conrado Roura (Argentina)
Dubai quarter-final fixtures: South Africa v England, New Zealand v Scotland, Australia v Argentina, Fiji v USA