Sevens Series Lands at Cape Town Sevens

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After the hype of Dubai, it continues as the HSBC Sevens Series lands in Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape Town Sevens fiesta will be from the 10-11 of December.

This will be the second year of the event in Cape Town moving on from previous host cities George and Stellenbosch. Cape Town Stadium has hosted the Sevens Series tournament since 2015 and was originally a host stadium for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup.

The modern stadium is the perfect stage for the ‘party’ to take place, and expect fireworks from the rugby-mad city [please look away if you are easily offended]. An eye-opening party at it’s best, expect plenty of outrageous fun in the stands and action on the field.

Sevens Series Lands at Cape Town Sevens

The South African sevens team kicked off the season in spectacular fashion last week when they won the Dubai Sevens. En route to that victory they dismantled 12 times HSBC World Sevens Series champs New Zealand in the Cup quarters 40-0. The second highest score against the Kiwi sevens team.

The teams have arrived in Cape Town to enlighten the South African public to some spectacular sevens action. The South Africans have been going through some difficult times with heir national side faltering miserably, sevens will hope to reignite the love of rugby in the Rainbow nation.

Reinforcements have been brought in by most teams, to fill in for the injured players. With six tough games to play in two days, it always takes its toll. Here is your LOWDOWN of the Pool stages of Round Two.

Cape Town Sevens: The Lowdown

Pool A (South Africa, Australia, USA, Russia)

South Africa

On paper, the Cape Town Sevens is theirs to lose. The defending champs have the upper-hand, and another win here would be good for their series aspirations.

They sometimes lack the confidence to put away crucial games though. Fans will hope that they don’t falter this weekend. Seabelo Senatla is on another level, along with Chris Dry. If they are not contained, it’s another title for the Blitzboks.

Blitzbok squad: Chris Dry, Philip Snyman, Dylan Sage, Kwagga Smith, Werner Kok, Kyle Brown, Branco Du Preez, Rosko Specman, Justin Geduld, Cecil Afrika, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Siwive Soyizwapi.

Australia

The inclusion of Jesse Parahi will boost morale in the side. He has a great understanding of the game. The Olympian will add depth to the side, to compliment skipper Sam Meyers. They will want more than fifth place in Cape Town.

United States

Assistant coach Chris Brown; not to be mistaken by the more famous American singer namesake, learned the hard way last week. He gambled in Dubai in their first game and paid the price. The side could not get through to the Cup qualifying stages, but in the end they were able to triumph in the new Trophy category–a prize they can build upon.

Hopefully, with speedster Perry Baker now appointed captain, the side get to shine this weekend. The tight five will need to work hard, as Madison Hughes is rested, but expect Team USA to rise to the occasion.

USA squad: Kevon Williams, Matai Leuta, Danny Barett, Alec Glatzer, Don Pati, Andrew Durutalo, Folau Niua, Maka Unufe, Stephen Tomasin, Anthony Welmers, Perry Baker, Martin Iosefo.

Russia

Their learning sojourn continues with a mix of heartache and learnings, however like all Russian teams ‘be weary of the Bear’. They will bite you when you least expect it. Without Vladimir Ostronshko it is tough but the Andrey Sorokin coached side are up for the challenge.

Russian squad: Ivan Kotov, Vladislav Sozonov, Vladislav Lazarenko, Dmitry Perov, Vitaly Zhivatov, Eduard Filatov, Dmitry Sukhin, Roman Roschin, Alexey Kapalin, Eme Peki, German Davydov, Ilya Babaev.

Fijians Chase First Ever Win In Cape Town

Pool B (Fiji, France, Kenya, Japan)

Fiji

They were caught napping by the African team in Dubai, who blitzed them to win in Round One. They will seek to go all the way and will be pleased to ‘spoil the party’ for the Blitzboks at home.

The ‘New Kid on the block’ Setareki Bituniyata will be the one to watch, along with the ever nippy halfback Jerry Tuwai. They have the arsenal to fire from all angles this weekend. Another showdown with the hosts will be icing on the cake for the spectators.

Fijian squad: Nemani Nagusa, Jasa Veremalua, Emosi Mulevoro, Osea Kolinisau, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Samisoni Viriviri, Josua Vici, Setareki Bituniyata, Kilioni Nasoki, Joeli Lutumailagi, Kitione Taliga, Masivesi Dakuwaqa.

France

The French looked good just last weekend, they reached the quarters. However, the lack of belief in the team without Virimi Vakatawa is still visible. Julian Candelon and Terry Bouhraoua should do more in leading his team.

Frederic Pomarel must aim to keep his team in the knock-out rounds for longer. After Day One in Dubai, they had the one large defeat to Australia, and should have entered the quarterfinals with energy–however, they lost to Scotland. Those are the key games, if France are to retain a position near the top six in 2016/17.

French squad: Jonathan Laugel, Manoel Dall’Igna, Jean Baptise Mazoue, Terry Bouhraoua, Stephewn Parez, Jean Pascal Barraque, Alexandre Gracbling, Pierre Gilles Lakafia, Jeremy Aicardi, Julian Candelon, Sacha Valleau, Vincent Inigo, Kelegh Faousy Moutome.

Kenya

Leaving their legends at home was their biggest mistake. Without Collins Injera and Humphery Kayange they lack leaders. On the other hand, maybe the African wind can swing them some favor.

Kenyan squad: Martin Omondi, Daniel Sikuta, Frank Wanyama, Leonard Mugaisi, Billy Odhiambo, Darwin Mukidzwa, Cyprian Kuto, Andrew Amonde, Nelson Oyoo, Brian Tanga, Lugonzo Ligamy, William Mbaka.

Japan

Not a good start last week but the Japanese are on a learning curve. They are missing Kameli Soejima, Lemeki Lomano, Lote Tuqiri and Kastsuyaki Sakai. The new crop will learn from this chances.

Japanese squad: Jamie Henry, Dallas Tatana, Yoshiaki Tsurugasaki, Jonmoon Han, Leon Ellison, Dai Ozawa, Patrick Stehlin, Hayata Nakao, Kosuke Naka, Hamish Paterson, Mashahiro Nakano, Keiji Tsuruda.

Kiwis Hoping To Bounce Back

Pool C (England, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada)

England

The English; like the Blitzboks, have a full squad. On paper they should be in another final this weekend, however consistency is still lacking. They went well on Day One but a ‘slip up’ cost them a finals berth.

This round, coach Simon Amor has to use a slow-build technique to not peak too early. And they must watch out for Canada or Argentina–still worthy opponents.

English squad: Richard De Carpentier, Charlie Hayter, Phil Burgess, Dan Norton, James Rodwell, Tom Mitchell, Dan Bibby, Tom Bowen, Oliver Lindsay-Hague, Ruaridh McConnochie, Ethan Waddleton, Alex Davis, Callum Sirker.

New Zealand

Their heavy defeat to South Africa last week will be the motivating factor all this week. Visiting that teams home turf, the group must come together after a less than perfect build-up/late coach announcements.

With Gilles Kaka missing, young and rising Auckland star Rocky Khan has to step up. He could have a bright future with a top-class outing here, and needs the support of men like Stowers and Forbes [senior players helping a youngster shine]. They need more go forward and creativity–Khan may be that spark needed.

All Blacks Sevens squad: Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson, DJ Forbes, Jonathan Ruru, Iopu Iopu, Sherwin Stowers, Sione Molia, Rocky Khan, Antonio Kirikiri, Dylan Collier, Nelson Ngaluafe, Isaac Te Tamaki, Billy Rophia.

Argentina

With a lot of hype behind them leading to Dubai they failed miserably to deliver. The absence of Axel Muller, Nicolas Bruzzone and the crafty Bautista Ezcurra was heavily felt. German Schulz must lead by his deeds, and show his class. The seniors in the team should be leading by example.

As a result of their inconsistency, the Santiago Gomez Cora coached side found themselves the bottom half in Dubai. This weekend, they must ‘rise above’. Vamos Pumas!

Los Pumas Sevens squad: Fernado Luna, Santiago Fourcade, German Schulz, Nicolas Menendez, Jose Barros Sosa, Matias Ocsaduk, Lautaro Velez, Bautista Delguy, Gaston Revol, Doming Miotti, Franco Sabato, Secundo Tuculet.

Canada

New coach, new techniques and yes they are still adapting. Hopefully, we can see a more improvement this week. Phil Berna, together with Adam Zaruba and Nathan Hirayama will be the ones to watch, with the ever expressive John Moonlight.

Canadian squad: Matt Mullins, Phil Berna, Mike Fualeifau, John Moonlight, Luke McCloskey, Liam Underwood, Karsten Leitner, Justin Douglas, Nathan Hirayama, Pat Kay, Caleb Jordan, Adam Zaruba, Josiah Morra.

Celtic sides push for semifinals

Pool D (Wales, Scotland, Samoa, Uganda)

Wales 

Wales did so well in Dubai reaching the semis with Luke Treharne on song, they will be hard to beat. Bad boy Morgan Williams was tremendous last week, however they need to tame him. Lack of discipline can cost you the game.

Welsh Scarlets squad: Owen Lane, Morgan Williams, Stefan Andrews, Jared Rosser, Owen Jenkins, Thomas Glyn Williams, Ethan Davies, Lloyd Evans, Adam Thomas, Sam Cross, Matthew Owen, Ben Roach.

Scotland

Unlucky in Dubai against the English but could go back-to-back quarter finals appearance here. Their forwards are laying the platform, it’s the backs that need to wake up.

Scotland squad: Scott Ridell, Dougie Fife, Fraser Lyle, James Johnstone, Nick McLennan, Mark Robertson, Jamie Farndale, Jo Nayacavou, George Horne, Scott Wight, James Fleming, Samuel Beattie.

Samoa

Life without Faalemiga Selesele in the team is taking it’s toll with the Islanders. They need leaders to lead, Tila Mealoi and Alatasi Tupou need to step up.

Samoan squad: Gordon Langkilde, Almanda Motuga, Francis Ieremia, Lafaele Tuliu Va’a, Alefosio Tapili, Phoenix Hunapo, Lester Sefo, Alatasi Tupou, Tila Mealoi, Samoa Toloa, Ed Fidow, Siaosi Asofalau, Lio Lolo.

Uganda

They had a taste of the big leagues last week and are invited back for more. Within a competitive pool no doubt, they are hopeful after taking Samoa to the wire last week. Watch Philip Wokorach together with Michael Okorach and Lwarence Sebuliba.

Still buzzing after a win over Japan, coach Tolbert Onyango must use that as an example of what his charges can do. They should not be easybeats–even if they face some teams in real form [Scotland/Wales].

Ugandan squad: Byron Oketayot, Eric Kaslita, Govle Ramathan, Adrian Kaito, Philip Wokorach, Michael Okorach, Lawrence Sebuliba, Pius Ogena, Kevin Kermundu, Solomon Okia, Achaji Manano, James Odong.

Can We See Upsets in Cape Town?

Cape Town Sevens
Rugby sevens captains were bowled over by the support shown to them from cricket fans in Cape Town on Thursday night (photo courtesy of worldrugby.org)

The South Africans and Australians should make it through from Pool A. On the other hand, it is a ‘battle for survival’ in Pool D with Samoa, Wales and Scotland. Fiji should scrape through however France will battle it out with Kenya to be ‘the next best’.

Barring any banana skins, the English will dominate Pool C. A charged-up Kiwi side, with the Pumas in close the competition, means they cannot rest too easy. Fans may see one or two upsets by the end of Day One–will England survive unscathed? Only they can determine that outcome.

The big boys will likely make it through, with either Celtic sides to be in the semis again. The Kiwis usually perform in South Africa (and have great support too) and will be on fire. Samoa may be a highlight, after some external-motivating words from soon-to-be acting coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens.

The underdogs for Last Word On Rugby this weekend are the French, Kenyans and Americans. Kenya through the power of being at home; Les Bleus as they are due; and Team USA want their trophy to be a Cup!

It’s all to play for, from Friday night in South Africa. Good luck to all teams.

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Follow All the results and updates from the Cape Town Sevens here on LWOR with Scott Hornell and Jovilisi Waqa

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