Rugby: Pool rivals braced for Scots backlash

The Scots have been drawn alongside world champions Wales and defending champions Fiji in a group that has the United States top seeds on the basis of reaching the final of the Adelaide leg of the series and the quarter-finals in Hong Kong.

But despite their rivals' impressive credentials, the Scots retain plenty of respect.

Welsh skipper Jevon Groves said: "Scotland are always strong at home where they bring in a lot more of their top men in. They're probably a bit disappointed with the season as a whole but there is definitely scope for a backlash."

Scotland desperately need ranking points to boost their hopes of being included in this year's Commonwealth Games – a fact not lost on US captain Kevin Swiryn, shortly due to shortly join French side Agen.

He said: "Scotland will be tough and always make it difficult for opponents."

Bolstering the US side are half backs Taivalu Enosa and Shalom Suniula, from American Samoa and Swiryn added: "We're fortunate to be able to tap into the inherent sevens skills of the American Samoans, some of whom have come through the New Zealand rugby system.

"The fact American Samoans hold US citizenship has enabled us to include up to four of them in the past and that has helped us become more competitive."

According to Swiryn, suggestions that Olympic status for sevens will provide sufficient funding for rugby to raid the NFL is still some way off.

"It's a huge boost to have sevens in the Olympics (from 2016) but the NFL guys aren't ready to give up their million-dollar contracts just yet. However, we are hoping to attract a few on the fringes to come over to rugby.

"It has certainly been a good season for us so far and that has to be maintained because Wales have been scoring a lot of points and Fiji are unpredictable

Inevitably Fiji will be under pressure to prove themselves after slipping down the rankings.

Skipper Seremaia Burotu, who singled out stand off Ilai Tinai as one to watch, admits they are desperate to repeat last year's success.

He said: "Our focus is on winning this tournament even if we can't win the series."

Australia are the form horses after winning at Twickenham last weekend, and England invariably do well at Murrayfield.