The Sevens circuit continues its tour of North America with the Vancouver Sevens the next stop off on the Series.
This year’s HSBC World Series has been nothing short of brilliant with the United States putting a real challenge up against the traditional big guns.
The Americans currently lead the circuit after their victory in Las Vegas last weekend. They are followed by New Zealand, while traditional powerhouses, Fiji and South Africa, find themselves in third and fifth spot respectively.
Vancouver Sevens
Saturday 9 March – Sunday 10 March
BC Place
To Win Tournament Outright
Fiji
New Zealand
United States
South Africa
England
Australia
*Odds to be added upon release
Contenders
Fiji
2018 Vancouver Finish: Winners
The Fijians really are struggling for consistency this season with the Islanders registering two tournament victories and then finishing between sixth and fourth in the other three rounds.
Their latest outing saw them only manage to claim a sixth out in Las Vegas. The result has seen them drop 14 points behind the Series leaders, the United States.
Fiji have done really well during the Pool phases of each tournament but have fallen to pieces in the knock-out phase. They will need to learn to manage the pressure better, and what better place to start doing this than in Vancouver where they have won finished first and third over the last two seasons.
New Zealand
2018 Vancouver Finish: Seventh
The New Zealanders enjoyed yet another decent showing last weekend as they managed to claim a third-place finish, beating Argentina 26-19 in the third place play-off. This was a rather handy result for Kiwis as it keeps them only five points adrift of the United States on the Series standings and nine points above third-placed Fiji.
Clark Laidlaw’s side have a decent if not spectacular record out in Vancouver having won the inaugural event back in 2016. They also have some solid moment headed into this one and have not finished outside the top 4 positions at any of this season’s tournaments.
United States
2018 Vancouver Finish: Fourth
Well, this is certainly a turn up for the books. I mean who would have thought after five events the United States would be sitting top of the Series standings, some 14 points clear of the mighty Fijians and 31 points clear of reigning champions South Africa?
While this is something of a surprise, full credit must go to head coach Mike Friday, who has developed a very handy and deep squad that is no longer reliant on the electrifying pace of winger Perry Baker. This was evident last weekend in Las Vegas, as despite missing the potent Baker the States still managed to win their home tournament.
Canada hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for the States as they have failed to reach a Cup Final in the three events played in Vancouver. They have been able to pick up points though, finishing the last two events there in fourth place.
Dark HorseEngland
The English have really struggled this term with two third-place finishes marking the pinnacle of their season thus far.
Las Vegas proved to be rather tough for the English, who could only manage a fifth-place finish. They did show signs of improvement during their pool stage games, however, and even managed to register a win over Fiji during the play-offs.
They are also only one of three sides to win the Vancouver Sevens, claiming the 2017 title.
Verdict: Fiji
I’m expecting a big showing from the Fijians here. They’ll be annoyed with their poor performances in Vegas, and they should be a lot better this coming weekend.
