Fiji upheaval gives hope to Dubai Rugby Sevens rivals: ‘They could be brilliant or a shambles’

“If you want to play Fiji, the first tournament of the year when you might be able to catch them cold is probably it," according to Sam Cross, Wales co-captain.

Gold medallists Fiji celebrate after the medal ceremony for the Men’s Rugby Sevens at the Rio 2016 Olympics on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. David Rogers / Getty Images

DUBAI // Dubai Rugby Sevens holders. Back to back HSBC Sevens World Series champions. Olympic gold medallists.

Just a cursory glance at Fiji’s honours might be enough to make their pool rivals wonder if there is much point making the bus trip to The Sevens on Friday morning.

Not so. According to Sam Cross, one of two co-captains of Wales, this might represent the best chance for the rest to clip the wings of the Flying Fijians.

Catch them cold at the start of the series, while the raft of changes they have made since the Games have yet to bed in, he suggests.

“They have had a lot of change since the Olympics, six players left from then, and a change of coaching,” Cross said.

“If you want to play Fiji, the first tournament of the year when you might be able to catch them cold is probably it.

“You never know what to expect with the Fijians. They could be brilliant, or it’s possible they could be a shambles, you never know.”

More Dubai Rugby Sevens:

• The Olympics effect: Sevens returns to Dubai a sport surging, and changing, after golden Olympics

• The story of Ben Ryan: Paul Radley documents the influence of Ryan in the rise of Fiji's sevens side

• Dan Carter: How All Blacks superstar Dan Carter ended up as a waterboy at Dubai Sevens 2006

Cross was in the Great Britain team who took silver behind Fiji in Rio in the summer. Wales’ other co-captain, Luke Treharne, was a travelling reserve, while coach Gareth Williams was also in Brazil as part of the coaching staff.

Friday might feel like a case of rivals reunited. Britain scraped past Argentina on the way to that final with Fiji, and Wales are pitched into a pool with both in Dubai.

The effect of the Olympics may have been a massive boost for sevens, with one independent report suggesting it has brought 16.8 million new supporters to the format.

The nations that constituted the Britain side might be glad to see the back of it for four more years, though.

Wales, who were Sevens World Cup winners in Dubai in 2009, finished 12th in the series last season. England were way below their usual standards in eighth, while Scotland were 10th.

However, Williams suggested the build up to the Games had no real effect on his side last season, while Treharne is just excited by the buzz that has been created.

“I’ve had more and more messages from people who have watched the Olympics, and are saying they want to come and watch Dubai Sevens,” Treharne said.

“They have heard stories, and this year they have decided to come here. I know loads of people who are coming out here. We always feel well supported here.”

Ben Ryan, the coach who led Fiji to gold in Rio, reckons South Africa should be regarded as the team to beat in the series this season, but still believes the defending champions will cope despite the recent changes.

“I really hope Fiji come out and have a strong tournament, as I am desperate to see them do well,” Ryan said.

“They have lost half their team from the Olympics, and I’m not around, but they have a good staff. For the good of the game, it is important Fiji remain right at the top of the tree.”

The series starts at 9am on Friday morning when Kenya face France on Pitch 1, while Fiji start their defence against Canada at 10.52am.

Friday's Dubai Rugby Sevens fixtures and kick-off times

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