Pic: World Rugby
A massive rugby fest is coming up this weekend. With the opening round of the Six Nations, the northern hemisphere is searching for the best team in Europe. However, down south, around 25°C hotter, it is all about the 7-a-side version of our beloved game. And it is another massive one. The Sydney Sevens is a double-header, hosting the fourth round of the men’s World Sevens Series and the second turn on the women’s circuit.
With just one week to rest, this huge weekend in Australia will offer the ultimate challenge for the teams in order to remain in the race for the title.
WHERE AND WHEN?
The Sydney Sevens take place at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney’s Moore Park (Capacity 45,500 capacity) on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of February. The Allianz hosts besides the annual 7s tournament, A-League football, rugby league and cricket matches.
The tournament kick-off on Saturday at 09:30 local time (22:30 UK time) and Sunday 10:30 local time (23:30 UK time).
See the full Day 1 fixture list below.
WHERE CAN I SEE IT?
In the UK Sky Sports will cover the tournament on all days. For a full TV guide click here, for any other country check out this useful guide.
WHO’S THE FAVOURITE?
Without a doubt the South Africa. With week’s victory in Wellington, the Blitzboks have now won two out of three tournaments. They are in a top-form. However, it is a back-to-back tournament and a successful recovery is key. This could give other teams an advantage. Fiji, now in second position, England (3rd) and surprise package Scotland (4th) are all very keen to close the gap.
ONE TO WATCH
Seabelo Senatla is one of the main reasons for South Africa’s success. The 23-year old is the top try scorer and was the outstanding player in Wellington. If teams want to stop South Africa, they have to stop Senatla.
THE POOLS & SCHEDULES
POOL A
South Africa, England, Kenya, Japan
POOL B
Fiji, France, Wales, Samoa
POOL C
Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea,
POOL D
Canada, Argentina, USA, Russia
Saturday, February 4th (Kick-off is local time)
Argentina v United States - 09.30
Canada v Russia - 09.52
France v Wales - 10.14
Fiji v Samoa - 10.36
England v Kenya - 10.58
South Africa v Japan - 11.20
New Zealand v Australia - 11.42
Scotland v Papua New Guinea - 12.04
Argentina v Russia - 12.36
Canada v United States - 12.58
France v Samoa - 13.20
Fiji v Wales - 13.42
England v Japan - 14.53
South Africa v Kenya - 15.15
New Zealand v Papua New Guinea - 15.37
Scotland v Australia - 15.59
United States v Russia - 18.23
Canada v Argentina - 18.45
Wales v Samoa - 19.07
Fiji v France - 19.29
Kenya v Japan - 19.51
South Africa v England - 20.13
Australia v Papua New Guinea - 20.35
Scotland v New Zealand - 20.57
The women’s tournament kicked-off already this Friday. For all fixtures and results click here.
