The HSBC Sevens Challenger Series 2024 — the men’s and women’s parity makeover of the World Rugby’s international 7s series is about to kick off. From January till May, the best 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams will ascend to new levels of sports greatness. The burning question on everyone’s mind? Who will win the golden ticket to the Grand Final in Madrid?
So, let’s analyze the chances and performance of the top rugby sevens teams and players and bet at the Canadian casinos online for a sure win! The road is long — seven main regular season events across three continents, culminating in Madrid.
Teams ranked ninth to twelfth are jumping into the mix alongside the top dogs from the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger series. It’s a make-or-break situation, and the prize for the elite four teams is more than enticing — a potential sweet spot in HSBC SVNS 2025!
The inaugural battleground for the first season unfolds at the iconic Sevens Stadium in Dubai. So, brace yourselves for a clash of skills, speed, and strategy! Rugby sevens buffs, get ready to discuss the standings of top teams and their chances to dominate the HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024.
Overview of the Dubai Stop
Nestled in the heart of Dubai’s dazzling skyline, the Sevens Stadium is a venue of iconic proportions and meaning for Rugby 7s. The stadium can accommodate around 100,000 fans, but other historical reasons exist for making it the opening spot.
Dubai has been a trailblazer in Rugby 7s since its inaugural tournament in 1970 — a sports history dating back half a century! Plus, the Sevens Stadium witnessed the evolution of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby 7s.
Dubai has become a beacon for thrilling rugby action since integrating into the International Rugby Board’s Sevens World Series in 1999 (now HSBC World Rugby 7s Series). This deep-rooted connection between the sport and the city makes it a perfect starting point for the rugby sevens.
So, a hard-core rugby sevens fan wouldn’t miss the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series 2024 opening tournament, set to unfold from January 12th to January 14th, 2024.
Analysis of Men’s Pools
The Men’s Pools for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger 2024 are locked and loaded, and let’s say- the line-up promises intense competition.
In Pool A, teams like Georgia 7s, Hong Kong China 7s, Papua New Guinea 7s, and Uruguay 7s set the stage for diverse playing styles and unpredictable outcomes.
However, with a secured spot in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Uruguay adds an extra layer of anticipation, bringing their high-level experience to the pool. Historically, the National Rugby Sevens team from Uruguay, The Teros, secured a spot as a core team in the 2022–23 World Rugby Sevens Series by winning the 2022 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series held in Chile.
Pool B features the dynamic quartet of Chile 7s, Japan 7s, Portugal 7s, and Tonga 7s. In this pool, Japan is the one bringing the Olympic-level game to the pool. Meanwhile, Chile and Portugal aim to disrupt the status quo with their agile gameplay.
In Pool C, the competitive mix of Germany 7s, Kenya 7s, Mexico 7s, and Uganda 7s promises thrilling encounters. Again, with an Olympic qualification under its belt, Kenya is expected to bring its A-game, and Germany, known for its strategic approach, adds an intriguing dynamic.
Uganda has a history of facing off against Kenya and Germany in the 7s version of the game. Despite the numbers favouring Kenya and Germany, Uganda has notched up some crucial wins in the past. Take 2022, for instance, during the Rugby Africa Men’s 7s in Kampala and the Rugby World Cup 7s in Cape Town.
Fast forward to the 2023 Safari 7s in Nairobi last month — Uganda went head-to-head against Kenya and Germany. Day One of the Pool matches saw Kenya victorious over Uganda with a score of 17-05. However, Uganda bounced back on Day Two, clinching a solid win over Germany with a score of 31-07 in the Bronze Medal match.
Predicting outcomes in sevens rugby is even more challenging than in other sports. Sports bettors love this fairplay stance as it dissipates most concerns surrounding online gambling and betting. That said, recent performances, strengths, and past achievements suggest Japan, Kenya, and Uruguay might emerge as frontrunners in their respective pools.
Analysis of Women’s Pools
Women’s Pools for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger 2024 also offers a riveting show of talent and unpredictability.
In Pool A, the mix includes Belgium 7s, Papua New Guinea 7s, Thailand 7s, and Uganda 7s. Here, Papua New Guinea is the team with the most promising history of solid performances, and Uganda is a potential dark horse with the capacity to upset the balance. Uganda’s team secured the 5th spot in the 2019 Africa Women’s Sevens and lost to Kenya in the following Safari 7s final match.
Over in Pool B, the battle features China 7s, Czechia 7s, Kenya 7s, and Mexico 7s. “The 2020 Tokyo 7 series results show that the Kenya 7s women’s team has upped their game, but would it be enough to dominate pool B? On the other hand, China is a force in women’s rugby, standing out alongside Kenya as a team with a rich sevens tradition. Czechia and Mexico, though considered underdogs, have the potential to bring surprises,” points out our sports betting expert and rugby fiend James Segrest.
In Pool C, the lineup comprises Argentina 7s, Hong Kong China 7s, Paraguay 7s, and Poland 7s. Argentina is a standout contender with its seasoned squad, while Hong Kong, China and Poland add diversity to the mix.
Predicting outcomes in women’s sevens is always tricky, but based on team dynamics and historical performances, Papua New Guinea, China, and Argentina have good chances to emerge as pool leaders. However, in sevens rugby, you never know what’s coming.
Key Players to Watch
With their track record, game stats, and sheer grit on the field, a handful of players stand out as the ones who could turn the game around for their rugby sevens squads. Our CasinoOnlineCA experts team has been “working the stats,” and this is the result:
Manuel Ardao (Uruguay)
At only 25 years old, this speed bomb flanker has 23 caps under his belt. A jackal turn-over manoevre? He’s done it. Also, he’s put points on the board for Peñarol and Uruguay, leaving defenders in the dust with his speed. His knack for turning things around adds extra dimensions to his game on the field.
Kameli Soejima (Japan)
Soejima is a force to be reckoned with in rugby sevens. Debuting in 2014 in Dubai Sevens, he knows the terrain perfectly well and thrives under the hot Dubai sun. Even after his ACL injury, Soejima is not just a player. He’s a game-changer. Whether scoring vital tries or pulling off smart plays, Soejima’s explosive style remarkably affects scoreboards and spectators alike.
Willy Ambaka (Kenya)
This 33-year-old winger is a critical player in Kenya’s national rugby sevens team. His main advantages are his stature (1.93m) and his passion. He’s a force in the field, known for entering into a “beast mode.” No one can stand in the way of Ambaka, and that’s why he’s the first Kenyan rugby player to hit the field for a team in France’s top two divisions.
Strategies and Playing Conditions
Undoubtedly, the hot local climate in Dubai demands physical resilience and strategic game management from the 7s teams put to the test.
The Sevens Stadium’s pitch can also change teams’ playing styles. Its well-groomed and slick surface means that players can be quick on their feet, favouring the teams with a bit of speedy finesse.
Sevens squads might prioritize speed and precision over other techniques to make these conditions work in their favour. In the Women’s Pools, teams like Papua New Guinea and Kenya might capitalize on their agility, adapting to the fast-paced conditions, while in the Men’s Pools, Japan and Germany may leverage their technical skills.
And let’s not forget the Dubai hype. Adapting to the energetic crowd and maintaining focus will be the name of the game for Dubai’s success.
On the other hand, rugby enthusiasts can avoid the heat, crowds, and travel and still secure a piece of the 7s action from every corner of the world. No wonder online gaming appeals to sports buffs, rugby fans included. Also, high-quality streaming will add to “the flavour” of this international sporting event.
Implications for the Series
The Challenger tourneys copy the Olympic Games setup. This means 12 teams are split into three pools of four each. The game plan — the best two from each pool, plus the two top third-placers, continue their battle in the knockout rounds (the quarter-finals, semis, and finals).
Therefore, a strong start on the sun-soaked pitches of Dubai is a must for those with ambitions of boosting their team status. For starters, a top-four spot on the Challenger opener secures a spot in the playoffs in the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid on 31 May–2 June 2024.
The ultimate goal, however, is a spot on the HSBC SVNS in 2025. So, how will the teams get to this promotional pathway? The teams with the highest points in the Challenger third round will face teams ranked 9th to 12th from HSBC SVNS 2024.
And it’s not just about placement. Starting big in Dubai could mean a surge of confidence and momentum for these teams — a vibe that can resonate well into their future tournaments.
Conclusion
The HSBC Sevens Challenger Series 2024 launch is imminent, so brace yourselves for fiery battles on Dubai’s most famous pitch. While teams like Japan, Kenya, and Uruguay in the Men’s Pools are more likely to dominate, there’s plenty of room for unexpected twists.
Women’s Pools also promise unpredictability at the highest level. Papua New Guinea, China, and Argentina are favourites, but the tides may turn at any match. One thing is sure, though – the ultimate fight will be that of the talented players on the pitch, those deserving of a higher “core team” status.
Manuel Ardao, Kameli Soejima, and Willy Ambaka seem like the game-changers in their respective teams, but the scorching Dubai heat will have the last word.
The Sevens Stadium pitch will test players’ agility and strategy, promising a turning point in the Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. As the series unfolds, the stakes are sky-high, with teams eyeing the golden ticket to the HSBC SVNS in 2025.
In a new era of rugby sevens, 2024’s Challenger opener will set the stage for the whole season and probably the future trends of this explosive sport. Get ready for a wild ride, Dubai — this is just the beginning of an enthralling rugby sevens spectacle.
