#RWC7s – English 7s squads full of speed and experience

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#RWC7s - English 7s squads full of speed and experience

English 7s squads are both full of ‘speed and experience’ to mount a formidable challenge for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens (RWC7s) title.

As the nation who were the first winners of the Sevens World Cup in 1993, England have ‘form’ when it comes to the RWC7s. Looking to harness that success, expect the 2018 squad to use motivation from the likes of a Lawrence Dallaglio, Chris Sheasby, Tim Rodber and Andrew Harriman.

The three day tournament will be from the July 20-22 at the AT&T Park. 16 women’s and 24 men’s sides will compete across the three-days, all chasing the ultimate prize; both held currently by New Zealand.

Leading that charge, Abbie Brown will be leading the women’s side with Tom Mitchell the mens side.

The Simon Amor coached English men’s side are ranked fourth, with the James Bailey’s women’s Roses side ranked eighth. Consistency has been lacking from both sides all season but with the world title at stake, they will be top contenders.

Englishmen chase Second World 7s title

With stars like Dan Norton, Phil Burgess, James Rodwell and Mitchell, they each bring with them the much experience. That is across the World Rugby Sevens Series and previous RWC7s tournaments.

Thinking on all that talent – the English look formidable.

“We’ve selected a very exciting team for the Rugby World Cup Sevens,” said England coach Simon Amor to rwcsevens.com

“There have been some outstanding performances across the board recently and this is backed up by the team’s consistency. Achieving five podium finishes since the Commonwealth Games demonstrates that we’re in a good place going into this World Cup.”

Ruadrith McConnochie, Will Glover, Alex Davis and Oliver Lindsay-Hague add speed to complete the attacking arsenal of England. Mike Ellery has been tremendous on the World circuit, and adds plenty of dimension to the team.

RWC7s – Abbie Brown leads ‘Sevens  Roses’ challenge

Brown takes over the leadership role from Emily Scarratt, who will be her deputy. Scarratt will have more time to concentrate on her game, which is vital for the English attack – as much as a nod to the respect Brown holds.

Jess Breach adds youth and vigor to the side with Alex Matthews and Debbie Fleming. Evergreen Heather Fisher leads from the front with with Amy Wilson-Hardy.

“We have a very tight squad and the players’ willingness to work exceptionally hard for each other has been demonstrated consistently throughout the season,” Bailey told rwcsevens.com “The Commonwealth Games illustrated what we are capable of which gives us confidence for the World Cup.”

Rugby World Cups Sevens; the Verdict

If their is a team that can challenge either the Kiwis, Blitzboks or Fiji, it will be the English. They have the depth and technical know-how to deliver when it matters the most.

Rodwell, Norton and Mitchell will be key in the men’s quest for their second title. Consistency and playing to the last whistle might well get the boys through, as much as coping with the new knock-out format.

On the other hand, the women’s Roses need to play ‘the game of their lives’ from the get-go. The speed, power and agility they posses must be reached from match one but, it is the execution and self-believe that they need the most if the English side is to perform.

The chances are for a Top four finish for both sides – if they play the cards well with every game a knockout.

However, keep an eye out for rookies Jess Breach and Will Glover. Maybe this English sides can go one better then their football counterparts.

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