Following on from an amazing – if weather troubled – Atlanta round of the World Series Women’s Sevens, attention now shifts to Sao Paulo, Brazil, in what may well be a preview of the Rio Olympics 2016. The worlds best women’s sevens players once again prepare to do battle for pride, dominance and vital competition points.
Brazil 7s: Women’s Series Provides Preview for Rio 2016
With the battle for the top spot already looking hot, the top three will all be out to gain maximum advantage in this weekends games. New Zealand comes off a fantastic win last weekend, shutting out a determined Canada. The Red Nation sits in third, well within striking distance, and has certainly shown they have the ability to be a real threat. Sandwiched between these two is the equally as threatening Australia. It would also be worth mentioning Russia is only eight points off the lead as well, anyone could create a massive upset here and tip the competition on its head.
Twelve teams come into the round, all wanting to secure a piece of history. IRB.com reported Kiwi captain Huriana Manuel expecting all the teams will be ready for a battle this weekend.
“The competition is definitely getting tougher throughout all countries,” said Manuel.
“We look forward to playing every single team. It’s not just a couple of teams that are really giving us a go, it’s every single team so we have to turn up and be ready to play everyone and anyone.”
The return of Mandy Marchak seemed to lift the Canadian’s from great to amazing, only dropping the finals game last weekend. The Netherlands have also improved exponentially, and the USA Eagles 7s are still a hugely untapped monster that could erupt at any moment. Manuel’s words may be much more prophetic than we all realise.
The Sevens series itself has proved hugely popular as well. Technology and marketing combine well in having the live stream available to make the series more accessible for all the fans. There have been opportunities for fans to also engage on Facebook, Twitter and through Google hangouts, giving a unique sense of perspective into the game and its players. Most of the teams have some sort of social media presence, and many of the players regularly post on Twitter, often communicating directly with their fans. This level of involvement helps to drive fan buy-in to the series, and buy-in they have. The popularity of the series is such that two extra legs have been added, meaning this season sees six rounds rather than last years four.
This weekend New Zealand will no doubt be carrying the weight of a target on its back. Somehow though I don’t think the ‘Sisters’ are going to be particularly worried about this. They are well versed in withstanding threats from all sides, and always bring their A Game. Mind you, so does everybody else, which is part of what makes sevens rugby so exciting.
Make sure you keep up to date with all the games this weekend, follow the World Series Women’s Sevens live stream, and follow the IRB Women’s Sevens Twitter feed here.
