Starmers: Seven to watch in Australia

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TV commentator Nigel Starmer-Smith looks ahead to the first leg of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series and picks seven players to watch

It is a very exciting season ahead with new venues, added tournaments, and we have some old, we have some new and we have some returning players to the Series, but here are my seven to watch:

Osea Kolinisau (FJI): Fiji were knocking on the door of the top teams last season and they came so close, surprisingly close, at several tournaments but failed to win one. I think if they had the presence of Osea Kolinisau I think they would have won a Cup somewhere. I just remember his particular wonderful successes in the past and he has brilliant attacking skills which helped them win their last title in 2010 in Wellington. Now, with a new coach who wants Fiji back to their running best, I think the man who will inspire them will be with Kolinisau.

Rob Vickerman (ENG): A boost for England is the return of the Fijian born soldier Isoa Damu who is back in the ranks. I saw them training in Teddington and I believe they will be upgrading from last season. But the one I believe to watch is Rob Vickerman, who has also come back into the fold, and one I believe to be a valuable recruit. He is versatile, has played 10 events already, before he quit in 2009 to play with Newcastle Falcons, but he has returned and could be very key for England as he was when England won in New Zealand in 2009. He is strong, quick, fast and fit and England are looking a very useful outfit.

Robert Ebersohn (RSA): They will miss their player of the year, Cecil Afrika, in Australia, but he is most likely to be back for Dubai. But with Branco du Preez and Renfred Dazel they are in fine fettle. I would like to pick out the returning Robert Ebersohn however who is a big boost to their chances. He is still only 22, but he has now committed himself to Sevens, is a superb midfield player, allusive, skillful, and with everyone around him you need to watch out for this South Africa back division.

Tim Mikkelson (NZL): When you think of New Zealand, Tim Mikkelson forms the backbone for the champions. His work rate, his Sevens knowledge, and he pops up everywhere. He is difficult to stop in the tackle, is deceptively quick and has that remarkably long striding pace that is not so obvious and I think he is a great asset.  There are three newcomers in Gordon Tietjen's team, but with the likes of Forbes, Halai and Cama they will be as difficult as ever to overcome.

Afa Aiono (SAM): The new Oceanic champions, Samoa, have very significant changes. Lolo Lui and Uale Mai are teaming up again, but they will desperately miss Alafoti Fa'osiliva and Ofisa Treviranus in that famous forward trio. So I think an awful lot will fall on the powerful shoulders of Afa Aiono. He is a former captain of the Samoa U20s, he has 17 tournaments under his belt, and if Samoa are to succeed his presence and performance will be absolutely key.

Ed Jenkins (AUS): Big changes too for Australia. A new clutch of untried and untested youngsters, but no doubt they won't be short of talent, they never are. The man to bring them together has a very important role, and that is new captain Ed Jenkins. At just 25 he is one of the old hands in the Wallaby outfit. Watch out for their dramatic improvement as the season advances and I believe it will be Jenkins setting the example.

Renaud Delmas (FRA): France for once have the continuity of personnel in their squad, with nine of their 12 players on full time contracts, their preparation has been significantly intense. Ball winning will always be difficult for them against the likes of Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand and England, but with ball in hand all things are possible with France. So watch out for Renuad Delmas who is very quick, very elusive, and if France are lifting their game, Delmas will often be in the list of try scorers.