Blitzboks eye fast Dubai start
South Africa are the defending Dubai champions, a venue where they have managed to reach the previous two Cup Finals. They begin their title defence against Samoa before taking on Russia and Scotland in Pool B.
Last season, they followed up their excellent win in Dubai with another title triumph at their home tournament in Port Elizabeth and the South Africans will be eager for a similar start to the season.
The Dubai Sevens kicks off an extended 10 tournament World Series which culminates in the Rio Olympics in August 2016, when the shortened version of the game will feature for the first time. Dubai will be followed by the South African leg of the series in Cape Town a week later.
Powell reckons teams will change their usual approach over the next few months.
"This is such an important season and I am sure we will see some different strategies from the teams.The importance of the season will bring added pressure and we will also have to adapt to the way teams change their tactics. However, it is important for us to concentrate on our job and not to look too far ahead," Powell said.
The Blitzbok coach expects momentum to be a key factor, especially in the first two tournaments.
"Every team will try and gain early momentum in Dubai, so that they have something to build on when we all arrive in Cape Town. We prepared well and are looking forward to the season," he added.
The coach has named Springboks Francois Hougaard and Juan de Jongh in a strong 12-man squad for the first two World Series outings.
Hougaard has played 35 Tests for the Springboks and recently joined the Sevens squad on a one-year contract. He is set to make his World Series debut in Dubai, while Western Province centre and captain, De Jongh (14 Tests), returns to the Sevens fold for the first time since making his first and only appearance in Wellington in 2008.
