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After a disappointing 13th-place finish in Sydney and news that Own The Podium is cancelling funding to the program, the Canadian men’s rugby sevens team looks to reverse its fortunes this week in Las Vegas.

The hope is to build some momentum — or at the very least avoid injury — with the Vancouver stop on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series looming March 11-12.

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Canada coach Damian McGrath, who took over the team this season, says his players know that poor on-field results over the last two years cost them the funding.

“That’s certainly a motivating factor for them. They want to show that A) they’re better than probably the results reflect and B) that they deserve to be funded alongside other sports.”

The Canadian men finished 13th on the world circuit last season, ninth in 2014-15 and sixth in 2013-14. They currently stand 12th after four events on the 2016-17 World Series.

Success won’t be easy in Las Vegas with the poor showing in Sydney resulting in a tough draw.