Sydney 7s: Seven players to watch

Tue, Dec 15, 2015, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

1. Sonny Bill Williams

He’s won titles in two rugby codes, has two Rugby World Cups to his name and also a heavyweight boxing title. Now, Sonny Bill Williams is shooting for Olympic gold. The 30-year-old has signed with Sevens full-time so he’s a big chance of running out in Sydney.

2. Liam Messam

Messam is another big name All Black who could pull on the boots in Sydney. The flanker is plying his trade in Japan this season before starting his full-time Sevens contract. He is a dual Commonwealth gold medallist with the New Zealand Sevens team (2006, 2010) and has committed full-time to Sevens in 2016 as he vies for Olympic gold.

3. Henry Speight

Unlike his New Zealand counterparts, the Aussie winger will be juggling Super Rugby and Sevens duties in 2016. He will play in four tournaments, making his debut in Dubai, and the home competition could certainly be among them. Speight was the first current Wallabies player to sign on for an 2016 Olympics tilt.

4. Bryan Habana

The Springboks speedster could headline the Blitzbokke line up for the Sydney Sevens tournament. Habana showed in the recent World Cup he’s lost little speed and still posed a major threat to opponents. The Sevens circuit is where he found his first international outings and he’ll be hoping to add an Olympic medal to that haul in 2016.

5. Quade Cooper

He’s yet to officially commit to the program but the Aussie playmaker has been open about his desire to feature in the Olympics and the lead up to the biggest sevens tournament. The 27-year-old would have to prove himself but if he does get a shot, he’d be one to watch in Sydney.

6. Collins Injera

Collins Injera is the Kenyan vice-captain and one of its best players but he rose to infamy earlier in 2015, after scoring his 200th, and most costly Sevens try, putting him third on the all-time list. costly. Injera pulled a permanent marker out of his sock to sign the lens of a broadcast camera, accidentally causing damage to the tune of $117,000 AUD.

7. Pio Tuwai

The Fijian superstar has already impressed through the World Series, with standout performances in Cape Town and Dubai. His offloading saw him named in the Dubai tournament dream team and he generates excitement with every possession. Will bring plenty of X-Factor to Sydney and should feature heavily in the highlights reel.

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