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That’s a tough-as-nails group for Canada, with the gold medalists and a very stout Argentine team the two seeds. Wales, of course, consistently had Canada’s goat in 2015-16, so there will be no easy games.

You may recall the 2015 tournament opened with Fiji laying an absolute thrashing on Canada. It was a bit of a telling sign for how hard the whole year would prove to be for the Canadians. They also faced Wales in Dubai. It was the first of six losses on the season for Canada against Wales; they managed a win in Sydney.

It’s going to be an interesting series this year, with Fiji entering the post-Ben Ryan era. They don’t have a coach yet. Many of the players have scrambled to bigger money contracts too. Who will be in this squad?

I’ve heard Argentina coach Santiago Gómez Cora’s name booted about as a possibility for the now-vacant New Zealand position, but he’s also under contract with the Pumas so who knows. His is another squad in transition, with stars like Axel Muller off to professional pastures.

Wales were well-guided by Gareth Williams last year, but building a squad was a constant scarp for him. He’s got a good supporter in management now in Geraint John, so might he find himself in steadier environs? Depending on how things play out, Wales could be a breakout team this year.

Canada, of course, don’t have a coach yet either, and there’s the player vs. management divide to be sorted. They’re in mediation this week and both sides were hopeful of a positive outcome. If all goes to plan, the squad will have a few returning veterans and a whole new crop of youngsters.

pjohnston@postmedia.com

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