We run the rule over the four teams set to compete in an ultra-competitive Pool F at the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend - Australia, Argentina, Canada and Zimbabwe.
POOL F LOWDOWN (AUS, ARG, CAN, ZIM) >>
Australia
Last season in HK: Plate winners
Last season in World Series: 4th
Position this season: 6th
Best result this season: Cup semi finalists (New Zealand)
Result at last event: Plate semi finals (Las Vegas 2011)
Top try-scorer this season: John Grant (15)
Top try-scorer all time: Peter Miller (107)
Last 30 World Series matches: W19, D1, L10
MORE FORM GUIDES AND NOTES >>
Dual-code international Michael O'Connor was one hell of player in his day, but it might just be possible that he's now even better at nurturing young talent. Having been at the Australian Rugby Union for several years in Player Identification, he took over what many considered a poisoned chalice in the Aussie Sevens job a couple of years and what a difference he's made. A first Cup title in eight years last season - at Twickenham of all places - and this season they've impressed again, and with an almost brand new squad. Captain Bernard Foley leads by example on the pitch and new players like John Grant have helped them to all four Cup quarter finals so far this year. Only once have they converted that into a semi final appearance, in Wellington, but they will be gunning for a good performance here just one week before their home event in Adelaide. As the sixth seeds in Hong Kong, however, they are faced with the 'group of death'.
Argentina
Last season in HK: Bowl quarter finalists
Last season in World Series: 7th
Position this season: 7th
Best result this season: Plate runners-up (South Africa)
Result at last event: Plate semi finals (Las Vegas 2011)
Top try-scorer this season: Diego Palma (13)
Top try-scorer all time: Santiago Gomez Cora (230, leader all-time in World Series)
Last 30 World Series matches: W14, L16
MORE FORM GUIDES AND NOTES >>
Three Cup quarter finals to their name already this season, the Pumas arrive as seventh seeds and are the toughest of opponents for any side. As rugged as robust in Sevens as they are in 15s, it goes without saying that the Argentines tackle with a fury and commitment that sometimes belies their size. Packed with talent and pace, watch out for Diego Palma, surely a star of the future.
Canada
Last season in HK: Bowl winners
Last season in World Series: 11th
Position this season: No Series points
Best result this season: Bowl runners-up (USA)
Result at last event: Bowl runners-up (Las Vegas 2011)
Top try-scorer this season: Taylor Paris (5)
Top try-scorer all time: Dave Moonlight (107)
Last 30 World Series matches: W14, L16
MORE FORM GUIDES AND NOTES >>
Enjoyed a super tournament last year in Hong Kong. One of the four pool runners-up unlucky not to make the cut for the Cup quarters, but thereafter the shoulders never dropped and they finished with five wins from six - including back-to-back victories on the final day against Tonga, Portugal and Wales. Geraint John has taken over from Morgan Williams as coach and it will be interesting to see how they go here. Never lack for commitment and heart.
Zimbabwe
Last season in HK: Shield semi finalists
Last season in World Series: No Series points
Position this season: No Series points
Best result this season: Bowl finalists (Dubai)
Result at last event: Shield winners (George 2011)
Top try-scorer this season: Gardener Nechironga (7)
Top try-scorer all time: Wesley Mbanje (35)
Last 30 World Series matches: W11, D1, L18
MORE FORM GUIDES AND NOTES >>
If Zimbabwe have all their players fit and available they can be a match for many of the core Series sides in the draw. They beat Argentina on the first day of the new season in Dubai and a week later also accounted for Kenya to take the Shield title in South Africa. Fast, fluent runners but can be inconsistent. Gardener Nechironga has been a stand-out this season for them and Wesley Mbanje is a proven thoroughbred.
