Clark: the vibe is as good as I've known it

Fri, Dec 5, 2014, 4:30 AM
AAP
by AAP

Qantas Australian Sevens Men's centre Cameron Clark has emphasised the importance of the Dubai Sevens to the national side.

Despite not being too far away on the Gold Coast, ultimately Geraint John's finished joint-seventh after narrow losses to South Africa and Argentina on Day Two of the event in October.

But the 21-year-old centre, arguably the stand-out performer for his side during the first round of the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series, believes his side can turn around their fortunes at the Dubai Sevens which kicks off later today (AEDT).

"Dubai is very important to us. We had a bit of a slow start on the Gold Coast but this is an opportunity for redemption for us I guess and get our season back on track," said the Sydneysider.

"We've had a really good six-week training block. The vibes were as good as I've seen them since I've been playing for the national Sevens team, everyone's really upbeat, everyone's loving Dubai and everyone's looking forward to getting out to play some Rugby.

"We want to be performing consistently at the top end of the draw and we can't let the top teams get ahead of you. Ultimately, we want to come to each tournament to win. To an extent, you forget about the other eight tournaments - it's about this weekend for us.

"This is obviously a very important season for us with the top four automatically qualifying for the Olympics so we have placed a lot of importance on the tournament here in Dubai. Hopefully we can get a result.

Clark, however, is wary about the opposition the Aussies face first up on Friday, though he is looking forward to making a return to the tournament he missed last year through injury.

"Kenya are big and powerful athletes and you don't know what to expect from them sometimes, they can beat anyone on their day so we must give them the respect they deserve. We have to show up first game and we anticipate a tough match.

"There's a lot of people around the tournament and there's a great buzz around the place. People fly in from all around the world for this tournament - we don't always have a heap of Aussie supporters here, and you can't really hear them in amongst the English supporters! But I have to say it's an amazing tournament."

Australia kicks off its Dubai Sevens campaign against Kenya (6.36pm AEDT) with games against the USA (9.36pm AEDT) and then the old enemy England (3.31am AEDT). All of the Men's tournament will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS 2 from 3.50pm

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