Samoa sevens coach Viliamu Punivalu is expecting a much better showing in Dubai this week after what he described as a 'wake-up call' in last months World Series opener on the Gold Coast.
Samoa went into that tournament off the back of wins at the Pacific Mini Games and Oceania Sevens but were knocked out in the Plate semi finals following defeats to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Viliamu Punivalu says 13 new players were introduced to the team in October so, and with the benefit of another five weeks training together, he expects improvement.
"We're still learning as we're going and I think those players were still adjusting to the pressure. [It's] a different level of competition and competitiveness and also with the environment. I believe that some of boys - most of the new players- were stage-fright - so it can only get better. Those same players will come against for Dubai. I think they will be much better prepared and well aware that their alertness is much better and understanding of the situation so I think they will respond better this time."
Samoa are in the same pool as Russia, South Africa and Argentina.
