Former New Zealand Sevens captain Karl Te Nana says it will be tough to predict if Fiji and New Zealand will be able to replicate their past successes when the new sevens season kicks off in Dubai next week.
This is after both teams changed their coaches recently.
Fiji will be led by Interim Coach Nacanieli Cawanibuka and New Zealand by Tomasi Cama Junior.
For 22 years New Zealand was led by Gordon Tietjens and for the very first time they will arrive at the Dubai Sevens next month without their inspirational leader.
Likewise, Fiji has lost Ben Ryan after he guided them to a historic gold‑medal win at the Rio Olympic Games.
Karl Te Nana says the teams who have not changed their coaches are probably going to have a leg up on the others.
This could favour other sides such as Japan and England.
The Vodafone Fiji 7s team Fiji will face Argentina, Wales and Canada in Pool A in Dubai.
The team will present their I‑Tatau today before leaving the country tomorrow afternoon.
Fiji will play their first game against Canada at 7.52pm next Friday and they will face Wales at 11.47pm.
They will play their final pool against Argentina at 4.48am next Saturday.
The Cup quarters start at 8pm next Saturday, the Cup semis start at 1.41am next Sunday while the Final kicks off at 4.33am Sunday.
Source: Strait Times
