Darry Worthington takes a look at the 2020 Canada 7’s which gets underway on Saturday the 7th of March.
The World Sevens Series heads across the American border this coming week for the fifth edition of the Canada Sevens. Only four teams have won out in Canada with no side yet to claim the title on more than one occasion. Will we have another winner this year or will one of England, Fiji, South Africa or New Zealand become the first side to claim two titles?
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Canda 7’s
Saturday 7 March – Sunday 8 March
BC Place
To Win Canada 7’s
Fiji 5/2
South Africa 3/1
New Zealand 4/1
England 16/1
Australia 10/1
Contenders
Fiji
2019 Finish: Third
Pool Opponents: France, Canada and Wales
The Fijians will be kicking themselves after blowing a big lead over the Blitzboks to go down 29-24 out in the United States last weekend.
The Islanders had looked unstoppable up until the second half of their clash with the South Africans and had cruised through the group stage hammering South Korea and Argentina and narrowly beating a very good French side.
Canada has proved to be a rather happy hunting ground for the Fijians who have two third-place finishes and a tournament title from the four series legs played in the land of Redwoods and lumberjacks
South Africa
2019 Finish: Champions
Pool Opponents: England, Argentina and Japan
The Blitzboks moved within four points of current Series leaders New Zealand with their dramatic late victory final victory out in the States. The Blitzboks showed a lot of character last weekend, and while far from fluid they were well deserving victors.
Neill Powell’s men have a fantastic record out in Canada never finishing outside of the top three, while securing two runners-up finishes as well as a winners medal, which they bagged last year. The reigning Canada 7’s champions are hot favourites to defend their crown.
New Zealand
2019 Finish: Seventh
Pool Opponents: Ireland, Spain and Argentina
New Zealand will be looking to maintain top spot upon the Series standings by bagging a win, or at least second-place, out in Canada.
The Kiwis bounced back from their below-par showing in Sydney – they finished fifth in Australia – by claiming a third-place finish in the United States. While it wasn’t the exact result they were aiming for, it was enough to keep them at the summit of the standings.
Unlike Fiji and South Africa, New Zealand haven’t been at all consistent in Canada winning the inaugural even in ‘The Great White North – before having three subdued showings that saw them only muster up two Plate winner medals and a seventh-place finish.
Verdict: South Africa (3/1)
I’ve decided to leave out a darkhorse as I think this one will be won by one of the big guns. I quite fancy an in-form Blitzbok side to make it back-to-back victories out in Canada.
