It’s a big day of Men’s Olympic 7’s with quarter-finalists set to be decided. Darry Worthington runs the rule over the final round of pool phase fixtures, below.
Samoa 15/20 | Draw 16/1 | Kenya 11/10 (14:00)
Handicap
Samoa (-1.5) 17/20 | Kenya (+1.5) 17/20
Tip: Total Match Points – Under Via Live-In Play
Both teams found the going tough on Day 1 as they both lost to Argentina and Australia with Kenya going down 21-7 to Australia and 31-12 to Argentina, while Samoa went down 28-12 to Argentina and 21-14 to Australia. While I reckon Samoa will get the win here, my tip is on this one being a low scorer.
Argentina 7/20 | Draw 15/1 | Australia 24/10 (14:30)
Handicap
Argentina (-6.5) 17/20 | Australia (+6.5) 17/20
Tip: Total Match Points Over Via Live In-Play
Both teams are already through to the next phase of the competition and while both will want to end this one as pool winners, they may be a bit more loose with not as much at stake. They were also in fine points scoring form yesterday with Argentina scoring 59 points in their two matches while Australia scored 42.
United States 1/6 | Draw 16/1 | Uruguay 9/2 (15:00)
Handicap
USA (-12.5) 17/20 | Uruguay (+12.5) 17/20
Tip: Uruguay Win 9/2
These two sides really impressed against France yesterday with the States drawing 12-12 with the tournament hosts in the shock of the day while Uruguay ran them close losing by just seven points to Dupont and co. The duo did struggle against Fiji, however with Uruguay going down 40-12 and the USA going down 38-12. Both sides averaged 12 points per game and a sensible play for this one would be to dip into the Total Match Points Under market, however, I have a feeling Uruguay will bag the win here.
Fiji 7/10 | Draw 16/1 | France 12/10 (15:30)
Handicap
Fiji (-2.5) 17/20 | France (+2.5) 17/20
Tip: Fiji (-2.5) 17/20
The tournament hosts have struggled thus far drawing with the States while registering a very unconvincing 19-12 win over a plucky Uruguayan outfit. Fiji, on the other hand, were in sensational touch registering big wins over Uruguay and Kenya. They look a real threat and are my favourites at the minute to claim Olympic Gold.
South Africa N/A | Draw 45/1 | Japan 12/1 (16:00)
Handicap
South Africa (-26.5) 17/20 | Japan (+26.5) 17/20
Tip: South Africa (-26.5) 17/20
The Blitzboks know they need a big win here to stay in the hunt for the quarter-finals and they’ll need to up their game a bit after suffering a 17-5 defeat to New Zealand and a 10-5 defeat to Ireland. Japan offers the perfect opportunity for them to register a big win, however, with the Japanese really struggling on Day 1 having gone down 40-12 and 40-5 to Ireland. I can see them suffering another heavy defeat here.
New Zealand 5/10 | Draw 14/1 | Ireland 17/10 (16:30)
Handicap
New Zealand (-5.5) 17/20 | Ireland (+5.5) 17/20
Tip: New Zealand (-5.5) 17/20
This is a big one next up with both teams level on points as well as points differential so it’s the decider for Pool A. Both teams thrashed the Japanese with Ireland edging South Africa by five points while New Zealand beat the Blitzboks by 12. I do fancy the Kiwis to get a comfortable win here, however. They looked good yesterday and I reckon they’ll kick on.
