UAE captain Niall Statham claims his side must still believe they can qualify for the Asia Rugby Sevens Series.
Apollo Perelini’s men were seeded fourth for the Asia Rugby Development Series following an impressive top-eight finish in the ARSS last year, but finished a disappointing fourth in India.
The development series concludes with the second leg in Al Ain this Saturday and Sunday, and skipper Statham insists he and his team-mates must make the most of home advantage.
“Immediately after the tournament we feel like we’ve let ourselves down but it’s such a good chance that we have in Al Ain to still qualify for the Asia Rugby Sevens Series,” said the Scot.
“It’s important for us to remember that we have not turned into a bad side overnight and I think playing in familiar surroundings will help us. Not only do we have another tournament left but it’s at home so there’s no travel involved.
“There’s no better opportunity than to come home and show what we can do, it’s the perfect chance to bounce back.”
Statham believes the same four teams that contested the Cup semifinals in Chennai – the UAE, Philippines, Thailand and leg winners Chinese Taipei – will be in contention at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, the home of Amblers.
Despite falling short after the euphoria of finishing inside the top eight last year, among elite teams like Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, Statham actually believes the UAE have taken a step forward.
“It felt initially after the tournament we’d taken a step back after such a high last year, but you can’t hit those heights all the time and, under Apollo, I think we’ve actually made strides,” added Statham.
“Jerry Kilicanasau was a real positive from the weekend, he made an impact, so too did Ryan Rapello. We’ve added to the player base and now there’s more players at the top level domestically putting their hands up. Playing at home now we can also freshen up and I think there will be some changes.”
