UAE have high hopes for Asia Sevens Series opener in China

Matt Jones - Editor 22:56 04/09/2015
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  • Chris Marshall (l) will represent the UAE for the first time.

    The UAE must beat the Philippines in their opening game of the 2015 Asia Sevens Series or their dream of breaking into the top eight teams in the region will be over, according to Roelof Kotze.

    The UAE’s performance manager believes his men must target a win against Asia’s fifth best side in their opening Pool A game in China on Saturday morning, otherwise they will have to beat Hong Kong, who along with Japan are the two best sides in Asia, to stand any chance of entering the top eight.

    Kotze, however, is buoyed by the talented squad he has brought with him to the far East.

    The UAE, who have re-introduced expatriates to the international sevens fold after the country’s failed attempt to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games, play the Philippines and Hong Kong in Qingdao.

    “I’m quite happy, we’ve got a decent, well balanced squad,” said the South African.

    “It was a close decision and there were a few boys unlucky not to make it but there’s always opportunities, with two more legs to come after this. A few players were hard done by but we’ve got too many opt–ions and that’s a good place to be.

    “The squad is as good as we can take but it is still a tough ask. We’re not in an easy pool. We have the Philippines first up so we must target them. We have to win that one really because if we don’t then that means we have to beat Hong Kong.”

    After finishing rock bottom of each of the three legs in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China last year and being ranked 11th in Asia, Kotze knows the UAE have an uphill task to achieve their dream.

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    Even if they can win one of their games and finish second, thereby qualifying for the Cup knockout stages, the UAE would likely face heavy hitters Japan or China from Pool C.

    The players, however, are relishing the task ahead of them, especially Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ winger Chris Marshall, who will pull on the UAE jersey for the first time after recently becoming eligible to play for the UAE.

    “It feels brilliant to be selected, it’s such a great opportunity to represent the UAE and compete against the likes of Japan and Hong Kong,” said the 25-year-old. “Hopefully we can achieve some positive results while we’re out there and reach our goal of the top eight. We have some exciting players in the squad and everyone is looking forward to getting started.”

    His enthusiasm is shared by Dubai Exiles’ centre Justin Walsh.

    “It’s a good feeling getting selected to represent the UAE. I love playing sevens and am looking forward to getting to the tournament,” said the 23-year-old. “The boys are excited and lots of things are looking good, so there’s plenty of positives going forward.”

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