The Sevens World Series will return this coming weekend after a month’s long break.
This coming weekend will see the World Sevens Series stop off in Hamilton, New Zealand for what will be another two days of pulsating rugby action.
Last year’s Hamilton event was won by Fiji, with the Blitzboks finishing as runners-up. While the aforementioned two sides will no doubt be there and thereabouts come the play-offs on Sunday, one cannot help but include the host nation as well as an ultra-consistent United States side in the equation.
Hamilton Sevens
Saturday 26 January- Sunday 27 January
FMG Stadium Waikato
To Win Tournament Outright
Fiji 18/10
New Zealand 22/10
South Africa 11/2
USA 7/1
Australia 14/1
England 10/1
Argentina 100/1
Kenya 250/1
Contenders
Fiji
2017/18 Hamilton Finish: Champions
The Islanders bounced back from a disappointing start to the campaign, that saw them finish the opening event in Dubai in sixth, by winning the Cape Town leg of the series. They currently reside in third on the overall series standings but are only three points off current Series leaders, the United States.
The Fijians have enjoyed a decent time of it out in Hamilton winning last year’s inaugural event at the venue. The also managed to finish in second place at the final edition of the Wellington Sevens back in 2017.
This event is like a home tournament for the Fijians with a multitude of expats turning out to watch their nation. With the crowd certainly behind them, the Fijians may well make it back-to-back wins in Hamilton.
Player to Watch: Kalione Nasako
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a solid start to the campaign racking up 10 tries in the opening two tournaments. He’s currently averaging 4.17 points per game, which is a staggering feat considering his points tally only consists of tries.
New Zealand
2017/18 Hamilton Finish: Fourth-PlaceThe hosts for this weekend’s event got their 2018/19 campaign underway in the best possible fashion as they won the opening round out in Dubai. They were brought back down to earth in Cape Town, however, as they could only manage a fourth-place finish out in South Africa.
New Zealand will be looking for a return to form on home soil this coming weekend. They have struggled at their home event in recent years with their best finish in the last three season’s being last year’s fourth place in Hamilton.
They are a much more capable side this term, however, and could be a real threat on home soil.
Player to Watch: Andrew Knewstubb
The lightning-quick back has enjoyed a rollicking start to the campaign scoring 72 points at an average of 7.02 points per game.
While his goal-kicking has been fantastic, he has also managed to chip in with seven tries.
South Africa
2017/18 Hamilton Finish: Runners-up
The Blitzboks will be looking to put a horrid start to the season behind them when they turn up to Hamilton this coming weekend. Neil Powell’s men currently sit fifth on the log having opened their season up with a sixth-place finish in Dubai and third in Cape Town.
While the South Africans have endured a rather poor start to the campaign, they will fancy their chances heading into Hamilton. They have a strong record out in New Zealand finishing as runners-up in 2016 and 2018 while winning the 2017 event.
Player to Watch: Chris Dry
The veteran will make his return this weekend after having recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for the majority of last year.
His experience, as well as physicality, will be of vital importance to what is a young and somewhat lightweight Blitzbok side.
Dark Horse
USA
2017/18 Hamilton Finish: 11th/12th place
The United States have really caught the eye this term with the North Americans managing two consecutive second-place finishes. The have a seasoned squad that knows how to operate in both the knock-out and pool phase stages.
What has really been worth noting about this American side is that they are no longer solely reliant on their speedsters to get them wins. They have a solid front three and their midfield has become a real force to be reckoned with.
Player to Watch: Madison Hughes
The diminutive play maker has been at the heart of his sides great start to the season. Hughes has already racked up 58 points from the 12 matches he has played thus far and is averaging 4.83 points per game. He has also managed to cross the whitewash on four occasions this season and averages a try every three games.
Verdict: New Zealand
I just feel that the New Zealanders are due a win on home soil. They have a solid squad who will be buoyed on by a partisan crowd this coming weekend.
The host country will be looking to register their second
