PREVIEW | HSBC USA Sevens 2019

preview LV2019

This weekend marks the half-way point of the 2018/19 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with the 5th tournament played over the next three days in Las Vegas.

As the circuit has reached America, a lot of people are wondering if the US-team is finally able to secure the first tournament win of the season, following four successive Cup final defeats.

So will Mike Friday and his squad win the jackpot on Sunday, or will it be once more the in-form All Blacks Sevens who have the last laugh?

It’s all set for another cracking weekend of 7s in Sin City.

When and Where?

The HSBC USA Sevens takes place at the Sam Boyd Stadium (40,000) in Las Vegas. The matches kick-off on Friday 1st March at 15:00 local time (GMT-7), Saturday 2nd March 11:30 and Sunday 3rd March at 11:00. The final is scheduled for 16:30 local time on Sunday.

Where Can I See It?

In the UK, Sky Sports covers all three days of the competition. For an extensive overview of all other broadcaster check out this guide.

Who’s the favourite?

This season is dominated by the trio of New Zealand, USA, and Fiji. While the Americans have reached all four Cup finals, New Zealand and Fiji had a little bit more experience to win it in the end.

Last year's #USA7s in Las Vegas had some pretty special individual performances. Check out the 2018 Dream Team for Las Vegas. Who would you pick to go against these stars? pic.twitter.com/spozreu8uq
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) February 25, 2019

However, USA is the title-defenders in Las Vegas, and the enthusiastic home crowd could provide the deciding x-factor, even without their charismatic talisman Perry Baker, who broke his jaw in Sydney.

One to Watch | Tom Bowen

26-year old Tom Bowen has been on the circuit since 2014, where he developed into one of England’s core players over the years, earning him a precious space in the GB Olympic squad in Rio.

With 5 ft 7, Bowen is not the tallest on the pitch, however, the former Leicester Academy graduate impresses with top-end speed and ankle-twisting side steps.

Before Tom Bowen joined the England set-up, he played a couple of seasons for Plymouth Albion becoming their top try-scorer during the 2013/14 season.