Round three of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be an important stop on the circuit. As the series has grown, the standards and match quality are undoubted. So breaking down the Wellington Sevens is relative to both the focus all teams place on the event, as much as how fans can enjoy this years tournament.
Coming back from their holidays, many teams aim to enjoy the fruits of many months of practice. Beginning last year, they target ‘sectors’ over the calendar; December, January/February, and right through until May, and the London Sevens finale. Each team will have goals to achieve, high ambitions–though, not all can win. So as we breakdown the pools, the key starters and critical match-ups, in the end….”there is one who will rule them all.”
MIDDLE EARTH MEETS SEVENS | There was plenty of fun and games at the #WellySevens captains photo at @WetaWorkshop today! pic.twitter.com/0vAcp8BFC1
— NZ7s (@nz7s) January 26, 2017
For the fans, the same applies. It is summertime, the days are long as excitement builds towards kick-off Saturday morning. Some will have spent more time on their costumes, than studying the teams, but it all contributes to the atmosphere.
When breaking down the Wellington Sevens from the fans point-of-view, attendance will mean: ticket [either one day or both], costume or supporter colours, sunscreen, snacks and an empty drink bottle–refill stations are located throughout Westpac Stadium. Hydration is key for lasting the weekend, for both spectator and player.
It all goes towards enjoying, and staying focused on the action. Some will dress-up and some will come to be seen. Catching yourself on the big screen can be as much fun as a ‘selfie with Elvis’ and the food and entertainment will all contribute to a great time. So, by tomorrow, you will need to prepare.
Breaking Down the Wellington Sevens
For fans, there will be more than enough to keep their attention this weekend. Gates open at 10:30am, matches begin at 11:00am so be ready. Loaded with live music, Food+Fizz alley, and a fusion of colour costumes, sport and entertainment!
A complete breakdown of the event would involve pages of FAQ’s, so many of the most ‘frequently asked questions’ can be answered on the Wellington Sevens website. Like any International event, stadium conditions and rules apply, so be aware of others and the key is–enjoy yourself. Watch out for your mates, chat with others and cheer on all the games.
Be watching the big screen for that fan-close up moment….Big Smile.
For those at home, full coverage in New Zealand involves one free-to-air broadcaster [Prime TV] with SkySport having a dedicated channel across the weekend. Check your local schedule for broadcast times or watch ‘live streamed coverage’ online with WorldRugby.org.com.
South Africa top the 2016-17 series points table after narrowly losing to @EnglandRugby in the #CapeTown7s final pic.twitter.com/N9AAHpIuNV
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 11, 2016
HSBC Sevens Series – Day One Pool Play:
All competitions and tournaments have their winners and losers. That means that every side goes in with targets of reaching the knockout stages. Expect ‘no quarter given’. It will be a true battle in Middle Earth.
Pool A – England, Argentina, Kenya and Papua New Guinea
You could not go past England here. Leading the series, they have been effective and accurate–two things required in Sevens Rugby. With Dan Norton, they have the star power, and may overpower sides like Kenya. That match is critical.
However Argentina will be the wildcard. Known for their passion, focus from the first match is the key; they face Kenya and must tick-off that result first. They have Santiago Gomez Cora, 38, whose name still features on the all-time try and point scorers lists for the World Rugby Sevens series. This was his 14th trip to the capital, and his leadership needs to ensure they are present on Day Two, fighting for a place in the finals.
It is great to see Papua New Guinea here, as they represent the Oceania leg and will get a big cheer whenever they cross the line. They will also play in Sydney next week, so a great time to blood new talent.
Pool B – Fiji, South Africa, Australia and Japan
Jovilisi Waqa has called it, the ‘Pool of Death’ and his analogy is correct. The stakes are highest here, so with it all on the line; “to the victor go the spoils.”
Fiji could hold all the cards, if they can hold off the chasing Aussie team. South Africa could do the same, dismissing Japan on the way to the major clash of the evenings play. And by 7:30pm Saturday night, one team will be seeded ‘top dog’. From there, they determine their future from on top–provided they stay healthy and motivated.
Fan tip: the entertainment continues Saturday night, with bands scheduled to play music well into the night. Keep hydrated if you don’t want to crash by sundown.
Pool C – New Zealand, United States, France and Samoa
The locals are chasing a fourth tournament win in a row, but everyone wants to stop them. They must put on a dominant performance to get there, and having thousands of delighted locals helps [to a degree]. Looking to peak, that will be a key factor.
As noted in the feature on Pool C, Samoa will be a new rival–a refreshed power that will be well supported too. Their challenge against France is pivotal. Both sides have been both delighted, and dismayed at their own poor performance. Getting past that mental post will be key. And that is where Sir Gordon Tietjens is a major factor in the Pool C final outcome.
Pool D – Scotland, Canada, Wales and Russia
Scotland are the ‘top dog’ of this bunch, due to their standings on the HSBC Series ladder. A well deserved status, considering their win last season at the London Sevens. They have started the year well–better in fact than some of the Southern Hemispheres big guns. If Scott Riddell can direct his men well, they might be the best bet to enter the semi finals.
Next best is Wales. The men from the Valleys are playing well and Gareth Williams is confident his team is at the cusp of ‘breaking new ground’. He has the stock, and has brought in James Botham; grandson of cricketing legend Ian. Along with Elliot Frewen, a highly motivated Wales are just about ready to beat any side–could this be there time?
Canada will need to bring their A game. Former-Samoa coach Damian McGrath has yet to find his style. How he can harness John Moonlight’s desire, along with Nate Hirayama (an unpolished star) is the key. Start well, overturn Wales and/or Scotland is their best bet.
Russia are unpredictable and again will use that one factor as their key tactic–others may find them difficult to prepare for. Causing an upset? Not realistic honestly, but hey….it’s Sevens. And that’s why we love it!
Many Sides Looking to Take Their Chances
With two tournaments in quick succession, peaking for all ten legs of the World Series is the key. Sides who began well in December will be hoping no rust has set in. Those who didn’t [the hosts included] need to trust that they can regain lost ground. That comes with a lot of pressure–some will push themselves, and must protect their flank–others will hope their fitness is their strength.
Taking chances is important. Targeting matches is also a key factor: Australia v Fiji, Samoa v New Zealand, or Canada v Scotland. If not every match, but several key games could assist your team to secure two important wins; the bare minimum required by all sides who wish to progress to the Cup knockout stages.
By Sunday, You’ll Be in Sevens Heaven
Over a two day stretch, the experience ramps up by the final afternoon. With the leaders known, each progressive game ‘knocks out’ a different challenger. And while all teams have their supporters, the high standards and fantastic exploits increase in their intensity by the afternoon. Fans should have enjoyed the spectacle, and now settle in for the best matches of the tournament now.
Skill levels reach their highest peak, teams compete hardest during games four, five and six [grand final]. They become well-oiled machines, and the best combinations shine brightest–and substitutes can write their names in glory. The match winning try in the final seconds….it’s terrific to watch, and great fun for that teams supporters.
Winning Team Hard to Predict
Breaking Down the Wellington Sevens, you can’t just ‘predict the winner’….take a guess, sure. Even an educated one can sometimes be swayed by form, injury, weather or unknown variables (it is Sevens remember). But as all 16 teams contribute their part to the weekend, a form guide becomes apparent by Day Two. Sides prove their status, as the winning teams are victorious.
The purest goal for any sports person, the taste of glory is primal. That is why you work hard in preseason, commit and dream for. So for all the participants, and spectators, the same sense of enjoyment can be taken from this weekend. Check for daily updates, from LWOR writer Jovilisi Waqa.
Winning, competing and partying are all part of the HSBC Sevens Series round in Wellington. A great time, in a great rugby town. Players endorse it, the city loves it and for this entire weekend, ‘the iconic event’ is sure to be a success.
“Main photo credit”
