Pakistan

Came back with a thud after winning promotion to Division Three in 2011 and was relegated last year losing to Guam, 37-10, and then being narrowly edged out by Indonesia in the play-off, 20-19.

The goal will be to move back up and Pakistan will be fired-up for the opening game against Laos. Victory will see Pakistan take on the winners of the tie between Lebanon and Uzbekistan.

On paper, should be too good for this company leading to a return to Division Three next season.

Lebanon

A win over Uzbekistan last year was enough to ensure that Lebanon remain in Division Four for one more year.

But ambitions will be higher and they will be hoping to make amends for a heavy loss in last year's final versus the now-promoted Qatari XV. Lebanon will have sights set on the promotion play-off where they are likely to confront top seeds Pakistan.

Uzbekistan 

Uzbekistan return to familiar ground in Dubai for Division IV with the same challenge as last year, securing that early win that puts them clear to the final.

They will first have to clear a high hurdle in Lebanon who have figured in the last two finals in Dubai.

Laos 

The minnows of Division Four, Laos earn their place by virtue of having finished top of Division Five for the last three years dominating Brunei and Cambodia.

It will be a mind-blowing experience for the Laotian XV playing at The Sevens, the venue of the world-famous Dubai Sevens.  But the team must adjust quickly to the new environs as they seek to maximise mobility and solid team cohesion against physically larger opponents in 2013.