HSBC Sydney 7s: Seven to Watch

The HSBC Sydney 7s will see both the Men’s and Women’s World Series continue on Australian soil. With a near sell-out crowd for Days Two and Three there is still an opportunity for fans to see some of the best players in World Sevens on Day One. LWOR takes a look at the top performers in the Series heading into the Sydney leg.

HSBC Sydney Sevens: Seven To Watch

Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)


The 23-year-old South African currently tops the ranks for tries scored in the 16/17 World Rugby Sevens Series. With an impressive 23 tries to his name as well as 115 points (3rd on the ladder), Senatla is sure be on the scoresheet in the HSBC Sydney 7s. Indeed, he became his sides all-time top try scorer (180) with his try in the Final of the Wellington Sevens against Fiji. A match in which South Africa claimed a dominant win to move to the top of the Series table.

Ellia Green (Australia)

With a plethora of stars in the Women’s Sevens game in their squad it is tough to choose just one Australian to watch. Ellia Green, however, once again has the potential to light up the HSBC Sydney 7s. The Australia Women will be playing at home for the first time since their victory at the Rio Olympics. With the pressure on Green she will be aiming to continue her excellent form as she returns from injury.

Dan Norton (England)

Norton currently ranks second behind Senatla for tries scored after crossing the whitewash 19 times already this year. A disappointing performance for his side in Wellington means that he will be heading to Sydney looking to revitalise England’s push for the Series title. Whilst they still remain 3rd they will be hurting from their quarter final loss to Scotland in New Zealand. Expect Norton to come out firing on all cylinders.

Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)


She may well not be one of the star names that rolls of the tongue in New Zealand side filled with amazing talent. Blyde, however, is one player that all rugby fans should be keeping an eye on as she continues to impress on the World Sevens Series. She tops both the tries (10) and points scored (50) ladders after the Dubai round of the Women’s Series. She will be vital in the Kiwis push to win the second round of the Series in Sydney.

James Fleming (Scotland)


Defence is not often what springs to mind when you think of Sevens, but Scotland’s James Fleming’s incredible try saving tackle in Wellington has become an internet phenomenon. The speedster has clearly found the right blend of attack and defensive skills as he sits 3rd on the try scoring table. Whilst his side have surprised many as they are 4th in Series above long time 7s specialists New Zealand.

Elena Zdrokova (Russia)


The Russians continue to go from strength to strength on the Sevens World Series and will be aiming to challenge the big guns for the title in Sydney. Zdrokova starred in Dubai as Russia claimed a 3rd placed finish defeating the much more fancied English in the Bronze Final. The 20-year-old is in only her second Series but has made a huge impression.

Henry Hutchinson (Australia)

Home town hopes in the Men’s Series will lay upon the shoulders of Henry Hutchinson. Australia’s top ranked try scorer in the Series so far (8), he will face an uphill struggle to lift a bruised and battered squad following the Wellington leg. With a number of injury withdrawals already confirmed the Sydney crowd will have to be in fine form if they are to lift their Men’s side to glory but Hutchinson will at the forefront of the charge.

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All statistics courtesy of World Rugby