Sevens is a game for talented individuals. Defense can win matches but the excitement that a skilled, fast and quick-thinking player can bring to the game helps to make it what it is.
Following is a list of 10 players that we will be watching closely over the weekend.
Samoan captain, Mikaele Pesamino
1. Mikaele Pasamino, Samoa (number 10)
Pesamino is very quick, strong and skilful. Born in Upolu, he now plays his rugby in Auckland (New Zealand).
He is second equal on this seasons try scorer’s table.
Pesamino scored a hat-trick in the 2007 Hong Kong final to beat Fiji, scoring the most tries in the tournament (10).
He currently sits in 4th spot on the top try scorer’s table for the season. He featured prominently in the Samoan effort in Wellington, scoring 2 tries in the final to go with the 5 he scored in earlier matches.
2. Lolo Lui, Samoa (number 7)
Lui is the main playmaker in the very talented Samoan team and currently sitting third on this seasons points scorer’s table. He is strong with a wicked sidestep. He sets the back line alight and coupled with Pesamino, he provides the spark in the very strong Samoan team.
Unfortunately, Lui did not play in the final in Wellington due to a suspension for a spare tackle in the semi-final. This was a cruel blow for Samoa. Had he been playing, the result could have gone their way.
Highest all time IRB Sevens points scorer, Ben Gollings from England
3. Ben Gollings, England (number 10)
Gollings is probably the most effective player on the world circuit. He has the most impressive record. The England star is the highest all time points scorer in the World Series, second on the all-time try scorer’s table and second in this season’s points scorer table.
Ben Gollings brings pace, skill, vision and leadership to the England team.
4. Dan Caprice, England (number 
Caprice is very quick and has a great sidestep. He is the kind of player who seems to be able to glide sideways to make it through very small gaps, then he has the pace to go all the way.
Caprice is the perfect foil for England’s other speedster Matt Turner.
6. Osea Kolinisau, Fiji (number 9)
Player of the tournament last week in Wellington, Kolinisau was simply brilliant. William Ryder was often talked about as the natural heir to the great Waisale Serevi but it is Kolinisau who is the more effective player at the moment.
7. Pio Tuwai, Fiji (number 2)
Tuwai is a master of the set piece. He gathers many of Fiji’s re-starts and if he gets the ball, he has the pace and strength to go all the way. Like a lot of the Fijians, this guy is a real handful. When mixed with the raw talent of his teammates, the effect is devastating.
Kenyan captain, Collins Injera
7. Collins Injera, Kenya (number 11)
Kenya have come of age in the sevens form of rugby and much of that is down to their charismatic captain, Collins Injera.
He has pace and is a prolific try scorer, currently second equal on the season’s try scorer’s table.
He always has a smile but there is toughness as well. Injera was dumped in a tackle in Wellington and landed dangerously on his shoulder and head but he bounced back immediately to play on.
8. Clinton Sills, Australia (number 9)
Sills is part of an emerging but still very young Australian side. He has remarkable pace and a keen eye for where to be at the right time.
He scored a great try off the bench in the Plate final last week in Wellington which helped him to the number 5 spot on this seasons’ try scorers table.
9. Santiago Gomez Cora (number 7)
Gomez Cora tops the highest all time try scorer table. He is a pleasure to watch and provides the spark and creative balance for Argentina.
He is still coming back from injury and only played on Day 1 in Wellington.
Cora will be required at full fitness if Argentina are to have any chance of retaining their USA Sevens title.
New Zealand speedster, Sherwin Stowers
10. Sherwin Stowers, New Zealand (number 9)
New Zealand’s latest sevens find is the young Counties wing, Sherwin Stowers.
The Kiwis have not had genuine express pace in their recent teams so they are making the most of having Stowers in the side.
He is the highest try scorer in the series going into the USA event and tends to stand out in his bright green boots.
