Preview | USA 7s
Photo: World Rugby
After a month-long break the HSBC World Sevens Series returns this weekend with the fifth round in Las Vegas. The three-day tournament is packed with southern hemisphere superstars from the 15-a-side game including Bryan Habana, Quade Cooper and Liam Messam. Without a doubt, this weekend turns Sin City into Sevens Heaven.
Where and When?
The fifth round of the HSBC Sevens Series takes place at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas (capacity 40,000) from Friday 4th until Sunday 6th of March.
The matches kick-off on Friday at 15:51 local time (23:51 UK time), Saturday 11:32 local time (19:32 UK time) and Sunday 10:30 local time (19:30 UK time).
See the full fixture list here.
Where can I see it?
In the UK, Sky Sports will cover the tournament on all three days. For a full TV guide click here, for any other country check out this useful guide.
Who’s the favourite?
Traditionally the Springboks are the team to beat in Las Vegas with three title wins in the previous five years. However the All Blacks are currently in perfect form as they snatched Cup-trophies at the last two tournaments in Sydney and Wellington.
Certainly hosts USA will enter the competition with bags of confidence especially after a very strong start to the season. So maybe the time and place is just right for America’s second title win.
One to watch
So many stars to watch this weekend and it will be interesting to watch how the 15s converts Habana and Cooper will adapt to the ruthless 7s environment. Surely the one or another 15s player around the globe will follow it closely.
Who’s leading?
Currently Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand are sharing the pole position with 69 points each, followed by Australia and Argentina with 54 points each. The best European team is England in 6th position with 51 points.
Click here for the full schedule.
Photo: World Rugby
Photo: World Rugby
