The Sevens Stadium in Dubai is set to help raise the profile of rugby in the region © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Eric Rush

Teams: Arabian Gulf

With the Rugby World Cup Sevens set to kick off in Dubai on Thursday speculation has begun as to the impact of the tournament on the sport in the region. The home side, the Arabian Gulf, is currently made up primarily of ex-pats but the influence of the sport is beginning to be felt across the country according to coach Michael Lunjevica.

"It will be huge for rugby around the region," the New Zealander told IRB.com. "It's traditionally been an ex-pat sport here but it's just starting to creep into the Arab nationalities now. If we do really, really well there'll be a lot of media coverage and that's going to be huge for the sport here."

Elsewhere at the tournament New Zealand Sevens legend Eric Rush has signalled his belief that New Zealand can put aside their recent poor form and win the Melrose Cup for the second time. Rush broke his leg during New Zealand's run to the title in 2001, missing the final as Jonah Lomu powered the side to glory.

Having spent time with the squad this week Rush is sure that they have what it takes to win in Dubai.

"For these boys here this year it's about creating their little bit of history. We've won Commonwealth golds, a World Cup and all those Series titles but that means nothing to them here. They've got to do it for themselves," he said. "If there was one message I wanted to get across it was to say that, 'You guys are good enough, it's just about how badly you want to create your place in history. It's about these three days.'"

Ina blow to the New Zealanders hopes however, Victor Vito is in doubt for the World Cup due to a calf muscle injury. Coach Gordon Tietjens said a scan revealed a minor tear in Vito's calf after their first training session in Dubai, and he rated the Wellington powerhouse a 50-50 bet to be fit.

Tietjens' spirits were lifted when Vito took part in training matches against Australia and the United States, and he would be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

"I've got a gut feeling he will kick through and I hope I'm right," Tietjens said.