The Rugby Pod’s - Seven Stars From The Sevens

The World Rugby Sevens circuit has been the breeding ground for many legends across all rugby codes. We’ve seen Sevens specialists in the form of Waisale Serevi and Ben Gollings, while others have gone on to master the 15 a side game, with the likes of Johan Lomu and Jean De Villiers just to name a couple.

We’re treated to some of the best hits, offloads and tries throughout the year and after attending the Las Vegas Sevens and then watching the Vancouver Sevens religiously the following week, I’ve picked seven stars to keep an eye on. Many of these will be a part of the Rio Olympics, and some may even play at the World Cup in Japan in 2019.

Samoa Toala

My first pick was the standout player in Las Vegas. Despite not being quite the powerhouse they used to be, Samoa can still compete against the very best and when they beat Fiji on the opening day they did exactly that. For me, their number 10 and speedster was the reason they shone. He is quick, really quick – (just ask Perry Baker) and despite being relatively new to the Sevens circuit, I expect big things to come.

Seabelo Senatla

You may recall I spoke about Seabelo Senatla last year and thought he could crack Super Rugby too. He wasn’t given too many chances in 2015 but I still believe he could crack it and his recent form defends that. The dreadlocked Stormers winger has scored a staggering 127 tries in just 24 events and that is mainly due to his 40 clean line breaks in 2016, the most on the circuit.

Savenaca Rawaca

It wouldn’t be a dream Sevens team without a Fijian or two and Savenaca Rawaca is the first to make an appearance. This year alone he has managed 39 breaks, just one below Senatla and 28 offloads too. It’s not just with assists where he shines and prior to Vancouver, his 14 event appearances had yielded 69 tries too. His career is young but this could be another name we remember for a long time, especially due to the fact Saracens have signed him. I feel sorry for wingers all over Europe!

Martin Iosefo

The US are definitely the up and coming side of the circuit and may have even arrived after their famous win in London last year. There are a few players who are becoming household names including Perry Baker, Danny Barrett or Carlin Isles. But I was most impressed with but Martin Iosefo. The Hawaiin born star is hard to miss with shaggy hair and tape galore, but his defence is impenetrable and he also is crucial to the team in setting up tries for his fellow teammates.

Allan Fa’alava’au

Australia came so very close to winning in Las Vegas as they gave up a healthy lead to Fiji, mainly due to the entrance of Quade Cooper. The other impressive number 10 in the squad is our man to watch. Allan Fa’alava’au is one of the strongest players I have had the pleasure of watching, he bumped of his islander rivals with ease and has a deft touch too. I am very excited to see how his career progresses and think Michael Cheika should be too.

Pio Tuwai

One of the most iconic Fijian Sevens stars is Pio Tuwai. The enormous number five can be seen breaking tackles whilst carrying the ball in one hand and looking for runners, which are often aplenty. Considering he is the designated ‘big man’ in the squad, his return of 47 tries in 29 events is not to be taken lightly. Tuwai used to skipper the side and his line out ability and big hitting is worth the flight and admission alone.

Vladimir Ostroushko

My final selection may be a bit of a surprise, but Russia are a side on the up and their key man is Ostroushko. If you do recognize his name that would be because he played in their 2011 World Cup campaign, but he plies his trade mainly on the sevens circuit now. In the 15-a-side game he plays for Enisei and now that they are in Europe in the Challenge Cup he may feature more. With just 23 events and 78 tries to his name, he is building quite the reputation and featuring in the team of the tournament in Vancouver was deserved and one of his greatest achievements in his career so far.

Next up the Sevens travels to Hong Kong and Singapore for the Asian leg of the circuit and we will be at both so stay tuned for more news, interviews and videos.

Written by Ollie Silverton for The Rugby Pod – www.therugbypod.com