Seven men's superstars to watch in Dubai

The opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will feature seven scintillating stars of the game.

Ahead of the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai, we cherry pick seven men's stars who we believe will make an impact.

Jasa Veremalua – Fiji 

The DHL Impact Player of the Year for 2015-16, Veremalua is a menace to play against. Tall, fast and with hands like frying pans, the Fijian flyer is as adept under the high ball as he is at scoring in the corner. His stats alone last season warrant a second glance: 116 tackles, 40 breaks, 69 offloads and 135 carries. Add 29 tries to those statistics and you have a complete sevens player who will be key for Fiji as they aim to retain their Dubai title.

Phil Burgess – England

Anybody who followed the men's tournament in Dubai last year will know how crucial an impact Phil Burgess had on proceedings. In the Cup semi-final he scored the winning try as England beat the USA 24-19, and went on to score in the final as his side lost 28-17 to Fiji. A powerful forward but with a turn of pace that can leave a defence in his wake.

Terry Bouhraoua – France

The little maestro, Bouhraoua is a magician of rugby sevens. Being ranked just outside the top 10 points scorers in 2015-16 with 209 overall doesn't do justice to the effect Bouhraoua has on a game of sevens. In Dubai he was the top try scorer with eight, and with great pace and vision he is a lethal playmaker for France. 

Seabelo Senatla – South Africa

An incredible 66 tries to his name in 2015-16, Senatla is a try-scoring machine. He scored seven tries in Dubai last December, putting him second behind Bouhraoua. With playmakers like Justin Geduld and Rosko Specman in the South Africa side, World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Senatla has plenty of opportunities to stretch his legs and score. 

Perry Baker – USA

With his textbook running style, Baker glides across the turf and is one of the fastest on the series. Forty-eight tries in 2015-16, and six in Dubai last December, Baker is one to watch on the USA team. Mike Friday's side will be desperate to improve on their third-place finish at the tournament last year and Baker will be key to their success.

Scott Curry – New Zealand

Curry was named as the new captain of New Zealand heading into Dubai last year. However his series was cut short after suffering a shoulder injury which sidelined him for the next nine tournaments. Fresh from some tough pre-season training, Curry will be ready to go in Dubai and more motivated than ever.

Henry Hutchison – Australia

Little 'King Henry' is just 19 years old but notched up 27 tries in 2015-16 and was named the World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year. Powerful and fast, if he gets the ball on the outside, it usually ends up as a try for Australia.

 

Photo: Seabelo Senata- South Africa