Shujaa face a stern test as they confront World Cup Sevens' bronze medallists Ireland in the Hong Kong leg today (Friday).
Following an underwhelming season last year, where they finished with a paltry 49 points and placed 12th, hopes are high that the national team can sustain a consistent effort across all ten legs in the forthcoming season to finish higher up in the table.
Shujaa have lost the last three encounters to the fast-rising Irish, going down 17-14, 21-14 and 29-7 with their last win against them being in September last year when they won 38-5.
Head coach Damian McGrath said this being the first game of the season, it will open up possibilities of winning.
“In this pool, we are clearly the underdogs but this being the first game of the tournament, it's anybody's game. Whoever settles first, dictates play and makes fewer mistakes will win the match,” he added.
Shujaa face Argentina on Saturday at 6:25 am and the Englishman expects a close contest against the South Americans, who finished fourth overall in the series last season.
“At our last meeting at the World Cup, they beat us 26-7 and they are a very well-organized side. However, I expect our boys to be competitive and to match them in all facets of play,” noted McGrath. Shujaa's final match will be against a young Canadian side at 9:45 am.
The top two teams in each pool qualify for the quarterfinals while the team that finishes third and fourth drop to the classification matches on Sunday.
The team arrived in Hong Kong on Monday and McGrath said the two new call-ups —Strathmore's Vincent 'Japolo' Ooro and Dennis Abukuse of Menengai Oilers—have settled well into the side.
“ They are really excited and want to play in this tournament and I believe they will add value to the team. We will see how they will fare this weekend,” he added.
He said they have had a great week in training and have worked hard across all areas, unlike last season. “ We have looked across all facets of play and e hope to qualify for the quarterfinals," he noted.
