Rugby Sevens – Top of the world?

Website design By BotEap.comWe’ve gotten used to seeing New Zealand top the annual World Series Sevens, having finished as winners of 12 out of 15 tournaments, but we may see a change soon.

Website design By BotEap.comAlthough they are defending champions once again, it has become apparent that they do not have the strength they once were and are now not the leaders in physique, pace, skill or game intelligence. With a wonderful track record, manager Gordon Tietjens is no longer ahead of the field and some of his strategies are, if not outdated, then lacking in creativity or even intelligence.

Website design By BotEap.comRather than looking for spaces or trying to put players into gaps, the overall goal seems to be to repeatedly make contact and recycle the ball until the defense loses its form. Against the South Africans in particular this no longer works as the Blitzbokke are the current masters of collapse, their exceptional commitment and intensity driving away and delivering not just the New Zealanders but every team. It is probably true that they are allowed to get away with breakdowns, but until the refs respond, they will continue to dominate.

Website design By BotEap.comDespite not being the biggest or strongest team, SA is the most physical and has more depth on the spot than either side. In attack, the Fijians continue to lead the way with their skills, pace and power, but this is no match for their defence, discipline, fitness or commitment. With a new manager, Australia are finally making progress and could well become a threat, especially if they can find more of a rhythm. Samoa has gone down badly and doesn’t have a deal breaker. They have little speed and don’t have a cohesive game plan. England are the best of the rest, but after that the level drops off quickly.

Website design By BotEap.comOn paper the South Africans should win this year’s series but as we move towards 2016 and the Olympics that will all change as some if not all teams will call on some of their 15 rugby stars. Imagine a NZ Sevens ‘pack’ of Dane Coles, Kieran Read and Brodie Retallick backed by Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Sonny-Bill Williams and Julian Savea with Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa and Sam Cane on the bench. It’s an exciting prospect, if a bit unfair to those who train and play for Sevens all season.