Rupert Cox picks his Great Britain Sevens dream team

By Rupert Cox| Twitter: @RupertCoxSky |

Image: Sam Burgess is a shoe in for Rupert Cox's dream team

With 100 days to go before the Rio Olympics, Rupert Cox has put together his Great Britain Sevens Dream Team.

Sevens will make its long-awaited Olympic debut in Rio and and Great Britain coach Simon Amor has an exciting time ahead in his bid to forge a team who can compete for a medal.

Amor, who also is also the head coach of the England Sevens side, has made it clear that he has no intention of swamping his Olympic squad with 15-a-side players but has drawn up a shortlist which he believes can add value to the talented pool of Sevens players from the home unions.

Wales winger George North, Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg and Wales flanker Justin Tipuric are believed to be high on Amor's list, but who would be in your dream team for Rio?

Cox has analysed the best players from both the 15-man game and the shortened version and presents his ultimate Team GB Sevens team. 

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FORWARDS

Justin Tipuric

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The Wales flanker has an all-round game well suited to Sevens. Turnovers at breakdown, high work rate and great handling skills all add up to a big impact for Team GB.

With a fine international pedigree for both Wales and the Lions, he won't be overwhelmed by the big stage. Tipuric also has previous experience in the shorter format for Wales Sevens and could play either in the forwards or the backs. 

Maro Itoje

England Rugby star Maro Itoje gives us a lesson in the breakdown

With England's restart king James Rodwell in a race to get fit for Rio, another kick-off and lineout specialist may be required. No one fits that bill better than England's Grand Slam sensation Itoje. His aerial ability and all-round athleticism is up there with the best.

Tackles, turnovers, off-loads and youthful enthusiasm - Itoje would bring a medal-winning game to a Team GB Sevens team. 

Sam Burgess

Sevens is a game made for Burgess, says Cox

Stuart Lancaster was onto something, but he played 'Slammin Sam' out of position in the 15-a-side game. Sevens is different and the Rugby World Cup anti-hero could be devastating.

Burgess would be the beast up front. A tackling machine, with massive go-forward and ferocious clear-outs at the ruck - Sam would give GB a hard edge that all good teams need. Get on the phone to Russell Crowe now!

BACKS

Tom Mitchell

Will England captain Tom Mitchell be central to Team GB's Olympic hopes?

The Skipper. One of the stars of the current Sevens World Series. He is the England captain and the man that makes them tick. When he's not in the field, England struggle to mix it with the big teams.

Playmaker, motivator, kicker, referee negotiator - the man they call 'sticky fingers' is central to Team GB's chances. 

Dan Bibby

Sevens uncovered: Dan Bibby

No one has a 'nose' for a gap like Tom Mitchell's buddy Dan Bibby. He burst on to the World Rugby Sevens scene a few seasons ago and hasn't looked back. His combination with Tom Mitchell will test any defence, although Bibby will need to recover quickly from the shoulder injury which has kept him out of the Sevens Series of late. 

Josh Charnley

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A rugby league superstar who has signed for the Sale Sharks next season, Wigan's long-range try specialist has out and out pace and will pick up many a 'free hit' for Team GB if given the chance.

Every good Sevens team needs a whippet, Charnley's it. 

Manu Tuilagi

Manu Tuilahi could be a battering ram for Team GB

Try stopping this guy in space. The Leicester Tigers bulldozer has the ability to break the line at will, which in Sevens more often than not means try time.

Some might question Tuilagi's ability to get 'Sevens' fit but with the five-sub rule now operating you could bring him on for short bursts so the big man can wreak havoc. 

Do you agree with Rupert? Have your say by giving us your comments below if viewing on skysports.com or alternatively, why not Tweet us @SkySportsRugby?

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