11 December 2019, by: Leonard Solms

World Rugby Cape Town Sevens: Punters Guide

TFresh off victory in Dubai, the Blitzboks head onto home soil for the Cape Town Sevens (13-15 December) looking to make it two cups out of two in the 2019-20 Sevens World Series.

Australia and Ireland kick off the Cape Town Sevens at 16:37 on Friday. South Africa end off the day by playing their first game against Japan at 20:03.

The Blitzboks face a monumental challenge on Day 2, as they play World Series champions Fiji at 13:51 and USA, last season’s second-placed team overall, at 20:03.

Neil Powell’s men will hope to be in the Cup final, which kicks off at 18:56 on Sunday.

Fiji remain narrow favourites for the World Series title despite the Blitzboks’ win in Dubai at . South Africa are now right on their tails at .

New Zealand are third favourites at following a strong showing in Dubai, while USA are paying .

Despite lacklustre showings from the Eagles Sevens and Fiji in the opening round, the four top teams overall last season remain head and shoulders above the chasing pack as far as the odds go.

England are in fifth place at after making the Dubai Cup semi-finals.

South Africa grew stronger as the tournament progressed in Dubai, ultimately beating New Zealand 15-0 in the final. Natural instinct leans towards the Blitzboks for the cup victory on home soil, but they have been drawn in a devilishly tricky Pool A with Fiji, USA and Japan.

New Zealand themselves looked solid from the get-go in Dubai and cannot be written off. Fiji suffered a shock defeat to Argentina in the pool stages, leading to their elimination from cup contention. They were perhaps guilty to a certain extent of complacency. However, when they hit their stride, they are near impossible to stop. Clashes with USA and South Africa will likely only serve to motivate them.

England are another team to watch following a solid showing in Dubai. They were unfortunate not to beat the Blitzboks in their 19-14 pool stage defeat, eventually falling at the semi-final stage to New Zealand.

1. South Africa 22

2. New Zealand 19

3. England 17

4. Samoa 15

5. Australia 13

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