DUBAI // Roelof Kotze, the UAE coach, says his side are equipped to challenge at the Bangkok Sevens this weekend, despite the altered personnel in their squad.
The national team finished ninth in the opening leg of the Asian Sevens Series, in China earlier this month.
Kotze has targeted an top-eight finish in the series of three tournaments, which concludes in Sri Lanka on October 10-11.
Jaen Botes, the player of the season in domestic rugby last term, is unavailable for the tour due to work commitments.
His colleague in the Abu Dhabi Saracens pack, Mohammed Hassan, is also unable to travel to Thailand due to an administrative issue.
Rather than replace them with forwards of a similarly powerful ilk, Kotze has called on the pace of Charlie Sargent and Devante Steele, both products of the UAE under 20 side, instead.
“We have a little more speed and agility and we will aim to play to those strengths this time,” Kotze said.
“We will have a different plan to what we had in China. We are fitter than last time, and the guys understand the plan better too. We are looking to maintain our upwards curve.”
The UAE will face the Philippines, who were also in their group in the opening tournament in China, and South Korea in the pool stage on Saturday.
“It is not as daunting as having Hong Kong in our group on the first day – but not necessarily a lot easier,” Kotze said.
“We know what the Philippines have and what they are going to bring to the game, and can prepare for that, but of course they know what we can do. We will be better, but I am sure so will they.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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