Rugby World Cup Sevens: FOUR favourites set to thrill in Cape Town

This will be one of the most tightly contested Sevens World Cups in history with the Blitzboks and three other sides going in with a big chance of being crowned world champions in Cape Town.

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Expect a thrill-a-minute, fast-paced, enthralling and invigorating action in the Cape Town Sevens Rugby World Cup this weekend.

All the action takes place between the 9-11 September at the Cape Town Stadium.

FOUR FAVOURITES BATTLE IT OUT FOR 2022 SEVENS RUGBY WORLD CUP

The build-up to the Sevens World Cup has been nothing short of dramatic, filled with more twists and bizarre events than ever before.

Usually, Fiji and the Blitzboks go into any tournament as the favourites. However, both these sides have had to deal with a whirlwind of emotions as a result of Covid throwing some curveballs into the world of Sevens. Initially, the Blitzboks were on top of the world while Fiji was not able to compete across most of the circuit. However, since the mighty Fijians have returned they have been excllent. While, the Blitzboks threw away the series title and had their worst performance in recent memory at the final hurdle – finishing 13th in Los Angelos.

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Interestingly, Australia was crowned the Sevens World Series champions for the first time. They carry momentum and confidence into this tournament. While New Zealand is also up there. The only reason they were not serious series contenders is due to not competing in the first half of the series due to Covid-related issues.

This has set up an incredible four-way race with each of these sides filled with belief that they can conquer the world in Cape Town this weekend. These are your four favourites:

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1) BLITZBOKS

The Blitzboks are one of the clear favourites for many reasons.

They won gold in the recent Commonwealth Games and they seem unstoppable when all their players are fit. Despite finishing 13th in LA, the Blitzbokke had to contend without top players like Ronald Brown and Selvyn Davids. While Angelo Davids came off the bench in their crucial match against New Zealand.

Add Cecil Afrika, one of the greatest 7’s players into the mix and you have the recipe for success. A recipe for success with a world-class Chef, in coach Neil Powell. Powell lead this side to Gold in the Commonwealth, the 2020/21 Series World title, and a record run of 34 wins and four circuit series titles in a row! Powell and the Blitzboks have never won the World Cup but they will be fuelled by over 55 000 South African fans in the stadium and millions outside it.

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It is also Powell’s final act and we want him to bow out with a deserved World title under his belt. This is the first Rugby World Cup in SA since 1995 when Joel Stransky struck a drop goal in extra time to conquer the mighty All Blacks. Inspiring the Springboks to their first-ever Rugby World Cup title at Ellis Park.

History repeats itself and now it is their destiny to write it into the Sevens rugby books…

2) FIJI

The mighty Fijians will go into any Sevens tournament as favourites. They boast the perfect balance of strength, speed, and skill.

They also boast one of the world’s best players in Jerry Tuwai and are a thrill-a-minute. This is a side that scores some of the most beautiful tries you will ever see. They pose a threat from their own goal line and pride themselves in keeping the ball alive with scintillating offloads and skills across their side.

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The formidable Fijians won Gold in Singapore and Toulouse since returning to the circuit. They astonishingly finished in third place despite not competing in the first four tournaments. Meaning, they would have likely won the recent 2021/22 series title if they were able to. The stars are aligned for a dream final between the Blitzboks and the Fijians but a couple of sides will have a thing or two to say about this…

3) NEW ZEALAND

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New Zealand is the current Sevens World Champions, they conquered the whole world in the USA back in 2018.

They are also the most recent winners, having claimed gold in LA in the last round of the 2021/22 World Series. Much like Fiji, NZ will also go into any tournament as favourites, they have the most series titles out of any team in the world (13) and know how to win the big games. This side can beat anyone on their day and it will take a clinical and huge effort to prevent them from making it all the way.

4) AUSTRALIA

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The Aussies are the current Sevens World Series champions.

It was certainly no fluke, they were the most consistent and eventually finished above the Blitzboks. Yes, Fiji and NZ missed half of the series but this is a side that has grown in leaps and bounds. One filled with belief and a team that puts their bodies on the line for one another. They are certainly one of the wildcard picks but have every reason to believe they could be one of the favourites too. Beware of this side as they are brimming with confidence and momentum having secured their maiden World Series title.

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WILDCARDS: Argentina and USA

Argentina pushed the Blitzboks and Australia for most of the recent World Sevens Series. They are organized, passionate and capable of upsetting any of the favourites on their day. The USA boasts one of the fastest players in the world in Perry Baker. We have seen them take some massive scalps in recent seasons and they should never be underestimated.

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Who do you think will lift the 2022 Sevens World Cup in Cape Town? Let us know in the comments section below.