IRB confirms pool draw for Dubai Sevens
The IRB has confirmed the pool draw for round 2 of the HSBC Sevens World Series, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on 2-3 December 2011.
The draw was made live on television before the Cup final of the Gold Coast Sevens, the opening round of the 2011/12 season.
DUBAI POOLS >>
DUBAI SCHEDULE >>
As Gold Coast winners, Fiji top pool A in Dubai and face matches against Samoa, Argentina and the hosts United Arab Emirates.
New Zealand, runners-up in Australia, head pool B and will play USA and Portugal before a mouth-watering clash with South Africa.
Pool C comprises two European heavyweights in France and defending Dubai champions England and two African nations, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Wales head Pool D and will play Scotland in pool play for a second week in succession, as well as Australia and Canada.
Following their win on the Gold Coast, Fiji have a lead in the HSBC Sevens World Series. They currently lie on 22 points ahead of New Zealand (19), South Africa (17), Australia (15) and Wales (13).
WORLD SERIES STANDINGS >>
"There's lots to play for going to Dubai, we know we are good enough," said Gordon Tietjens, coach of reigning Series champions New Zealand following their Cup final loss to Fiji in Australia.
"The boys will be kicking themselves and we had set some good standards. To lose it we are disappointed but you have to take your hats off to Fiji. They were certainly the better team on the night."
