Rugby Sevens – Top of the world?

We’ve gotten used to seeing New Zealand top the annual World Series of Sevens as they’ve finished winners of 12 out of 15 tournaments, but we may soon see a change.

Although they are once again defending champions, it has become apparent that they are not as strong as they once were and are not now the leaders in physicality, pace, skill or game intelligence. Wonderful record to show for it, manager Gordon Tietjens is no longer ahead of the field and some of his strategies are, if not outdated, lacking in creativity or even intelligence.

Instead of looking for space or trying to put players into gaps, the general 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 the break, their exceptional commitment and intensity pulling 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 referees respond, they will continue to dominate.

Despite not being the biggest or strongest team, SA is the most physical and has more depth in place than either side. In attack, the Fijians continue to lead the way with their skills, pace and power, but this is no match for defense, discipline, fitness or commitment. With a new coach, Australia are finally making progress and could well become a threat, especially if they can find more rhythm. Samoa has fallen badly and does not have a decisive factor. They’re short on speed and don’t have a cohesive game plan. England are the best of the rest, but after that, the level drops rapidly.

On paper, the South Africans should win this year’s series, but as we head into 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 ‘package’ 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 in Sevens all season long.