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Perry Baker has received a second accolade this week. Just after being named to the official HSBC Dream Team for the London 7s, he has been picked in World Rugby’s official Dream Team for the 2015/16 HSBC Sevens Series. The Eagles finisher was second only to Seabelo Senatla (66) in tries scored for the season, with 48 across the 10 tournaments. Apart from the London tournament he was also named to the Dream Team for Dubai and Las Vegas.
Senatla was also selected in the team, which is slightly unusual given both he and Baker play the same position. The French Fijian Virimi Vakatawa was a unanimous choice, as was Series-winning captain Osea Kolinisau of Fiji. His country-mate Jasa Veremalua is among the forward along with South Africa’s Kwagga Smith and Samoan captain Fa’alemiga Selesele.
Baker is the second USA player to be so honoured. Zack Test was included in the World Rugby Dream Team for the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens Series. Canadians John Moonlight and Phil Mack were each chosen for the 2013/14 season Dream Team.
Despite being the leading points scorer on the circuit with 331 points – one ahead of Senatla – Eagles captain Madison Hughes was not selected. Another notable absentee is Argentina’s Axel Müller, himself named to the tournament Dream Team in both Paris and Singapore. Eagles midfielder Martin Iosefo was nominated for the select side in Vancouver, while Rookie of the Year nominee Bautista Ezcurra of Argentina made the Dream Team in Cape Town.
