McCaughey bids to lead Ireland to Sevens heaven

IRELAND manager Hugh McCaughey is confident his side can “spring a few surprises” at the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Dubai this week.

Ireland have not contested any game in the code since the last World Cup in Hong Kong four years ago, yet McCaughey talked up the team’s chances ahead of today’s opening game against Samoa.

“We know it will be an uphill struggle simply because we’ve played much less sevens rugby than our opponents,” admitted McCaughey.

Ireland failed to reach the last eight four years ago but McCaughey stressed: “The preparation this time round is much better. Our coach, John Skurr, knows his sevens and has played on the world circuit.

“I’d be disappointed if we didn’t spring a few surprises.”

Ireland are in Pool D alongside Samoa, Australia and Portugal. The six pool winners and two best (based on pool points and points difference) runners-up progress to the quarter-finals.

“I don’t think there’s much between the teams so establishing a good points difference could be difficult,” warned McCaughey, who believes his side’s pace and talent will worry other sides.

IRELAND SQUAD: G Brown (Blackrock, Leinster), K Campbell (Galwegians, Connacht) (capt), B Carney (Clonakilty, Munster), J Coughlan (Dolphin, Munster), C Doyle (Garryowen, Munster), T Gleeson (Cork Con, Munster), E Grace (Shannon, Munster), F Jones (Old Belvedere, Leinster), P Marshall (Belfast Harlequins, Ulster), D Riordan (Buccs, Connacht), K Tonetti (Blackrock, Leinster), B Tuohy (Cornish Pirates).