Speed and stamina the key

Speed is probably the greatest asset in becoming a star on the sevens scene, but you cannot rely on individual flair. Teams have fewer players to cover the pitch, so it is important that everybody works together in unison.

The aim is to create as much space as possible for your team-mates and to outmanoeuvre opposition defenders using nifty footwork, such as a swerve or a sidestep.

It is important to keep possession, so you have to look after the ball well. That means working hard in the contact area. If you lose the ball in the tackle or if you miss a tackle, it will probably mean a try for the opposition.

You cannot rely on other people to have it covered as they might in the 15-man game. There really is no place to hide in sevens!