WESTERN Samoan skipper Danny Kaleopa, the rock on which his team built their Hong Kong Sevens triumph last year, has been ruled out of this year's squad because of a hamstring injury.
But the defending champions will still be a powerful force with seven players from last year's squad, plus the return of two world class players Junior Paramore and To'o Vaega, spearheading this year's challenge at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The only newcomer to the international scene is Setu Tuilaepa, who completes the 10-man squad.
Last year's Player of the Tournament, powerful centre Lolani Koko, will take over from Kaleopa as skipper for the March 26 and 27 tournament.
Coach Taufusi Salesa, who himself was the national skipper for many years, believes the side are capable of repeating their momentous victory of last year, when they defeated Fiji 14-12 in a bruising final.
''We have pretty much the same team as last year,'' said Salesa. ''Nearly all of them have been to Hong Kong before, so we will not be short on experience.