GRR: Sevens World Series
LOS ANGELES, Calif.– In just a few weeks, the world of rugby is coming back to Los Angeles as the HSBC LA Sevens returns February 25th and 26th.
Well we almost predicted it.
Goofing around with the Men’s World Series Standings we speculated that we might see all of the top teams tied … or at least most within a point of each other.
That second scenario is basically happening.
The USA Men's 7s team faltered in pool play in Sydney, losing in rather extravagant fashion to Samoa and Ireland.
The team that had surprise so many in recent weeks seemed to hit a bit of a wall against both of those sides. Just a shade slower to the ball, and not as dominant in the tackle, they found themselves scrambling to get going.
Despite being one of the most consistently good team in the World Series, and now 2nd in the standings, the USA Men's 7s team is by no means in a secure position.
Argentina is back.
OK, they didn't really leave, but beating New Zealand at New Zealand's own 7s tournament is a signal that the Pumas have taken a big step forward. Finishing 5th, 6th, and 6th in the first three tournaments wasn't exactly poor form, but Argentina exceeded or equaled 5th eight out of nine tournaments in 2022, including two finals.