New Zealand will be looking to tighten their stronghold on the summit of the HSBC World Sevens Series standings when the circuit heads to France for the Toulouse edition of the Series.
Toulouse Sevens
Friday 12 May – Sunday 14 May
Stade Ernest-Wallon
To Win Outright
Odds TBA*
Favourites
New Zealand
2022 Finish: 10th
The Kiwis have every chance of claiming the 2022/23 title this weekend as they only need a tenth-placed finish to set off a massive victory celebration.
New Zealand’s are well-deserved champions-elect having dominated proceedings this term winning four tournaments, while also finishing as runners-up in two others. They head to France in red-hot form as well, winning the Hong Kong and Singapore stops on the circuit.
They actually did really well to win both of these considering they were missing some really key players including rookie Roderick Solo as well as veterans Sam Dickson, Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson. All three men are back in the squad for Toulouse, which will make the log-leaders an even bigger threat this weekend.
Fiji
2022 Finish: First
The Fijians have started to hit their straps in the latter part of the campaign and currently sit third on the World Series standings but are unable to usurp New Zealand at the summit. They will be hoping to overtake the Argentines, however, with the South Americans ten pints ahead of them on the standings.
As noted above, Fiji have started to fire in recent months finishing second in Hong Kong and third in Singapore. They have struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and have been forced to give some new boys a run of games. They are better for it, however, with a now much wider talent pool at their disposal.
There’s good news on the injury front for the islanders with utility back Filipe Sauturaga making a return while talisman Jerry Tuwai is also back in contention.
Argentina
2022 Finish: Fifth
The Argentines are enjoying a spectacular campaign and are still in with an outside chance of claiming Series honors but would need the New Zealanders form to fall off a cliff and to take top honours in both Toulouse and London.
While they are unlikely to achieve a series win, a second-place finish would be a strong reward for the South Americans who have become a real threat on the tour winning two tournaments and finishing as runners-up at another two.
Argentina have also had some good news on the injury front with 122-cap veteran Matias Obsadczuk making his return from injury this weekend. He will be joined in the squad by exciting rookie Joaquin Lamas, who also returns from injury.
Dark Horse
Australia
2022 Finish: Ninth
The Australians have been rather hit-and-miss this term, producing some solid rugby at a couple of tour stops and then underperforming at others. They currently find themselves residing in fifth-place on the log and wth World Cup and Commonwealth games qualifications secured, they have little to compete for here.
The fact that there’s not much on the line may well play into the australians’ hands. They are a side that like to play it fast and loose and the shackles will be well and truly off this weekend.
Verdict: New Zealand
I cannot see past the Kiwis here. They have been a cut above this term and they’re in a very handy pool.
