It seems almost unthinkable that a rugby sevens side could become too predictable, but thats exactly what Australia will attempt to avoid when they run out at the Rio Olympics.Rugbys shortened form makes its debut on sports biggest stage in Brazil, and Australia is one of 12 nations pushing for gold in what promises to be one of the Games most entertaining events.With just 14 players on the field and the same amount of time in which to secure victory, the helter-skelter nature of sevens means matches can turn on one big play or, as the cliché goes, on the bounce of a ball.And its that off-the-cuff approach, or split-second decisions, that Australia have attempted to rediscover after a solid, but ultimately title-free, World Series season.Yeah, I think there was a few things, Australia coach Andy Friend told ESPN before the squad flew to Rio.I think we became quite predictable in what we were doing.I also think - well, I know -- just the combinations that I used throughout the tournament probably didnt help the boys. But I did that for a reason, which was to give blokes an opportunity, so Im happy I did that. We used 27 players in the 10 tournaments, so that makes it hard to form combinations.With the 12-man squad -- and two standby players -- now putting the finishing touches on their preparations, a lack of combinations shouldnt be an issue for Australia come kickoff in Rio.And after beating the likes of the gold-medal favourites, Fiji and South Africa, the Australians have shown that, on their day, they have the talent to mix it up with the best. But a lengthy losing run against another sevens heavyweight, New Zealand, including a last-gasp defeat at home in Sydney, means questions remain as to whether Australia can perform at their best throughout the three days of competition in Rio.Yeah, I think its just decision-making in crucial parts of the game, Australia skipper Ed Jenkins told ESPN before departing for Rio.I think were able to compete against those big sides and, I guess, knock them over, but its just being able to do it on a consistent basis ... and its just some of those key areas in the game where we need to tighten up -- and being able to close out those big games where we can come away with the win. And if we can do that over six games, theres no reason why we cant be walking away with a medal.Australia face France, Spain and South Africa in their pool, from which the top two sides will progress to the quarterfinals along with the top two from each of the other two pools as well as the two best third-place finishers.Cam Clark, one of Australias stars in the World Series circuit, said consistency will be key if Australia is to end their long trophy drought in the best possible fashion -- with a gold medal.Well, I think weve proven that we can do it, so there is definitely belief within the group, Clark told ESPN.I think thats the first thing; you dont want to be beaten psychologically before you run out there. So we know we can beat the top sides in the world. Its just, as Ed [Jenkins] said, its a matter of doing it consistently over six games -- and as he said, theres no reason why we cant beat these guys and come away with the gold. Blazers Online Cheap . It was the second consecutive win for the Pacers (2-5), who lost their first five preseason games. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (1-5) with 17 points and eight assists and Al Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Scott scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. Nike Blazer Shoes For Sale . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. http://www.cheapnikeblazer.com/ . Takahashi, who had a 10-point lead after the short program, received 268.31 points after the free skate to finish 15 points ahead of second-place Nobunari Oda. Nike Blazer Clearance . Pettersen, winner of last years Evian Championships, had nine birdies and three bogeys, holding off a series of challengers led by Marion Ricordeau of France. The second-ranked Norwegian made her season debut after missing the LPGA Tours opening event last month in the Bahamas because of a shoulder injury. Nike Blazer Wholesale Cheap . Three came down to the fourth quarter while quarterbacks continued to shine in all four games; so important to the overall quality of the game. OAKLAND, Calif. -- Spending just a year around players like Derek Carr and Khalil Mack was enough for Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander to see that the Raiders were on the verge of turning things around in coach Jack Del Rios second season in Oakland.That was one of the main reasons why I wanted to sign back because I knew they were going to be a Super Bowl contender with all the young talent they had just based on last year, Alexander said.Hell get an up-close look at the resurgent Raiders (9-2) on Sunday when the Buffalo Bills (6-5) visit Oakland.While the Raiders success comes as little surprise to Alexander, the production Alexander has provided the Bills has been a stunner. Known as mostly a special teams standout during his first nine seasons in the NFL, Alexander has emerged as a big-time pass rusher in Buffalo.He has 10 sacks on the season for coach Rex Ryan -- one more than he had in his first nine years in the league.We did not see that in him or we wouldnt have let Rex get him, Del Rio said Im really happy for a guy like Lorenzo. Hes a consummate professional. This is a guy that busts his butt, does everything he can, every day to be a true professional. We had him around thinking thats what we were getting is that, the leadership part of it and, honestly, we missed on this part where hes getting 10 sacks.Adding to that total against the Raiders wont be easy. Oakland has allowed a league-low 12 sacks thanks to a powerful line and Carrs ability to get rid of the ball quickly.You go into a game thinking youll be lucky to get one sack, Ryan said. Its a combination of that offensive line, but another thing is you have a quarterback thats not going to take sacks. Hell get rid of it if he has to.Here are some other things to watch:STOP THE RUN: The Raiders have had issues stopping the run, allowing 4.6 yards per carry and holding just two of the past 10 opponents under 100 yards. They will face an especially tough test against LeSean McCoy and Buffalo. The Bills are averaging 5.3 yards per carry -- the most in the league in four years -- and are seeking their first five-game streak of 150-yard rushing games since 1975. Even if the Raiders manage to keep McCoy under control, quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also dangerous with 423 yards rushing and a 6.3 average.Its like they have two running backs in thhe backfield, Mack said.ddddddddddddPROTECT THE BALL: No team has avoided turnovers as well as the Bills. Buffalos six turnovers are the fewest through 11 games in NFL history. The previous low over that span was eight shared by five teams, most recently Kansas City last year. The single-season record is 10, set by New England in 2010 and matched by San Francisco the following season. Taylor has four INTs and one lost fumble and rookie RB Jonathan Williams lost a fumble for the other turnover.Its my job to take calculated risks, but at the same time be smart with where Im going with the football, Taylor said. Turnovers definitely dont lead to good things in this league.BIG TARGET: The one part of the Raiders offense that hasnt been clicking all year is the tight end in the passing game. Thats what made Clive Walfords big game last week so important. Walford had three catches for 43 yards against Carolina, including a 14-yard catch on third-and-11, followed by a 12-yard TD on the tying drive in the fourth quarter.It shows that Derek still believes in me and has a lot of faith in me, Walford said. Im just grateful that I can be there for him to make a play for him like that.OAKLAND DROUGHT: Oakland has not been kind to the Bills in their history. Buffalo has not won a game there since Jack Kemp led them to a 31-10 victory there in 1966 . The Bills have lost all eight meetings, although they did beat the Raiders in overtime in 1991 in Los Angeles.Fifty years ago? Phew, Ryan said. Thats amazing. Woof. You talk about a drought.REUNION: Del Rio and Ryan have a long history, having served as defensive assistants together in Baltimore when the Ravens won the Super Bowl following the 2000 season. Both credited former Ravens coach Brian Billick for their success and remembered fondly the days in Baltimore together when they would pretend to be draft experts Mel Kiper and Joel Buchsbaum and try to predict picks in advance.It was fun for us, Ryan said. We got fired up for the draft. Wed have our notes and be going back and forth. 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