The Rugby Sevens Olympics tournament isn’t usually one of the major events on the rugby calendar. Usually, the likes of the Six Nations and club competitions such as the Gallagher Premiership take centre stage. However, this year feels different.
French scrum-half Antoine Dupont is perhaps the finest player on the planet and he has been for a number of years now. He made headlines earlier in the year when he dropped out of Les Bleus’ Six Nations squad in order to focus solely on the Sevens tournament at the upcoming Paris Games. With the Olympics being held on French soil, it is clear that the hosts want to emerge victorious, and Dupont has demonstrated his commitment to the cause.
But he won’t have it all his own way, despite being the best player at the tournament. Here are his favourites for the gold medal this summer.
France
Playing on home soil, the French have a huge home-field advantage, and those who bet on sports may know that this has translated into making them a 23/10 favourite for glory. The support from their boisterous home faithful can provide that extra boost needed in critical moments and hearing La Marseillaise ringing around the Stade de France will surely strike fear into any team they face. Historically, Les Bleus have been a force to be reckoned with in the tournament, but they are yet to make their way onto the podium.
The last two gold medals have been claimed by Fiji, and Paddy Power News reported on a blistering try they scored in a 2018 clash against Canada, which underscored just how imperious they are in this form of the game. However, despite their pedigree, they find themselves as fourth favourites, some way behind the front-running French.
Much of the hype about the hosts comes from the fact that they have the imperious Dupont in their lineup. However, he isn’t alone. Terry Bouhraoua is a talismanic figure for the French side, bringing invaluable experience and leadership. The sheer pace of Jean-Pascal Barraque can turn a game on its head in an instant and all three of them will be invaluable to the French challenge this summer.
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New Zealand
New Zealand have become synonymous with prowess in international rugby union. Despite being record three-time world champions, they have struggled in the sevens format. They managed to secure the silver medal in Tokyo three years ago, and they will be aiming to go one better this time around.
Their physical style of play, combined with tactical brilliance, makes them as formidable as anyone heading to Paris. Experienced skipper Scott Curry is known for his leadership and defensive capabilities. Joe Webber meanwhile is a dynamic playmaker that makes his team tick and he can carve open an opponent at will. With their history of success and a well-balanced squad, the All Blacks are always a major threat in any tournament, including the sevens.
Argentina
Argentina have made remarkable progress in recent years, becoming one of the most exciting teams to watch in all forms of rugby. They secured their first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series medal in the land of the rising sun three years ago, defeating Great Britain in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze. This year, the onus is on them to take that final step and reach the gold medal match.
The versatile Santiago Mare has a skill set that enables him to play multiple positions effectively, crucial to the sevens format. The team has its share of stars, bringing pace and try-scoring ability that are invaluable assets for the Pumas. If they can continue in a similar vein, the Argentinians will certainly be a team to avoid in Paris.
