Exile Gray has Kiwis fighting fit for sevens
ALAN LORIMER IN DUBAI
A FORMER Gala and Scotland sevens favourite will today attempt to help blow Scotland's sevens campaign off track in the opening match of the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens.

In an early wake-up call, the Scots will face New Zealand, last year's series champions, at 9.30am (5.30am UK time) to open the 2007/08 IRB World Series at the Exiles Ground in the Gulf state. On the Kiwis' side, however, is David Gray, the former Scotland sevens cap, who took up a post with Taranaki this year and was recently appointed fitness chief for the New Zealand sevens squad.

Gray admitted: "It will be quite an emotional experience for me. Obviously it's my job, so I hate to say it but on this occasion I'll be going 100 per cent for a New Zealand victory."

Gray, who left Gala for Exeter and continued sports fitness studies, has settled in New Zealand and is expected to step up to NPC rugby once his sevens commitment concludes with the final series event back at Murrayfield in June.

"I'd like to progress to Super 14 within the next two to three years," he added, "but if there was a chance of returning to Scotland in this field, I'd probably go for it."

New Zealand have won all 15 of their encounters with Scotland in the IRB World Series, but Stephen Gemmell, the Scotland coach, is keen to stress that the Scots must make a mark in the first tie to provide confidence for the crucial clash with France.

"We fortunately have five hours recovery time after playing New Zealand," he said. "France is the key game for us if we want to reach the Cup quarter finals, but that's not to say we'll take our eye off the ball against New Zealand. France have played together in two tournaments so they will be up to speed; we have to get there quickly."

Scotland face the Arabian Gulf amateurs in their final group game in front of a 35,000 crowd at Dubai. Gemmell believes that competing in the IRB World Sevens Series has become even more important this season with the SRU having scrapped the Borders.

"With only two professional teams there are less opportunities for young players to come through," he said. "But Dubai will let many of them experience what it's like to perform on the world stage."

Scotland Sevens: S Forrest (Ayr) captain, C Forrester (GHA), R Vernon (Glasgow), S Newlands (Edinburgh), C Fusaro (Heriot's), S McColl (Dunfermline), CGregor (Glasgow), C Kinloch (Edinburgh Academicals), JThompson (Heriot's), A Dymock (Dundee HSFP), GAnderson (Ayr), R Jackson (Glasgow Hawks).

This article was originally posted on 30-Nov-2007, 08:31 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 30-Nov-2007, 08:32.