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The HSBC Cape Town Sevens will be the very last tournament of this year with one of six events which host a women’s and a men’s tournament at the same time.
Following a successful Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens last weekend, where South Africa’s men and New Zealand’s women were victorious, the Cape Town event will be the second round on the men’s series and the third on the women’s.
This year’s tournament will be the first time that Cape Town has hosted both the men’s and women’s competitions in a season that will see the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series contested over 10 rounds, and the women’s over a record eight.
Cape Town is one of six combined men’s and women’s events this year before 24 teams will travel to Japan in July for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
All men’s and women’s teams will play one pool match on Friday with the two remaining matches played on Saturday with the knockout stages bringing the curtain down on the tournament on Sunday.
WHEN and WHERE
The second stage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series takes place at the Cape Town Stadium (Capacity 55,000) in the Green Point Park, just 10 minutes away from the city centre.
The matches kick-off on Saturday 8th December 10:15 local time (08:15 GMT) and Sunday 9th December 10:36 local time (08:36 GMT). The final is scheduled for 19:44 local time (17:44 GMT) on Sunday.
WHERE CAN I SEE IT
Both tournament days will be broadcasted on Sky Sports in the UK. For an extensive overview about all other broadcaster check out this guide.
WHO'S the FAVOURITE?
The back-to-back Series Champs of 2018 and 2017 and hosts South Africa, will enter the tournament on home soil with plenty of confidence after winning the Dubai Sevens just a week ago. This should put Neil Powell’s team in a very strong position for the three-day competition.
In the women’s competition, so far, it’s an interesting contest between the almost unbeatable Black Ferns and the USA which have like their men’s counterpart improved heavily in recent years. Both teams are on levelled scores in the table and looking to further increase the lead to the Aussies.
ONE to WATCH
Carlin Isles
The 30-year old has been around for a while now and is still one of the most influential and best players on the circuit with the ability to beat his opposite number with limited space and time.
Karen Paquin
The Canadian Karen Paquin is known for her power and speed and is skilled at both the sevens and 15s version of the game.
THE POOLS
Men’s
Pool A: South Africa, USA, Fiji, Japan
Pool B: New Zealand, Argentina, Canada, Wales
Pool C: England, France, Spain, Scotland
Pool D: Samoa, Australia, Ireland, Kenya
Women’s
Pool A: New Zealand, Russia, Fiji, South Africa
Pool B: Canada, France, Spain, Brazil
Pool C: USA, Australia, England, Ireland
