The Rugby Pod’s HSBC London 7s Preview.

The World Rugby Sevens Series rolls onto its final stop this weekend (21-22 May) as London plays host to the fast paced, try a minute celebration of rugby. Heading into the competition, three sides could still potentially take away the Series title. Leaders Fiji, second placed South Africa and New Zealand in third place are all still in contention. A Series win would be a massive confidence boost ahead of Sevens’ introduction to the Olympics in Rio this summer. So as the world prepares to feast on that carnival of rugby, here’s a list of players to watch out for at the HSBC London Sevens.

1. Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)

With an incredible 2, 360 tries scored across the current Seven Series, this man has contributed an impressive 64 of these. Topping the ranks for tries scored and most points (320), he is sure to light up Twickenham for the Blitzbokke as they push for a potential Series victory. Having scored 24 more tries than his nearest competitor on the rankings list, it is highly likely he will finish the Series top of the player rankings. The 23 year old will undoubtedly be a hit both in London and Rio as the South Africans chase glory on two fronts.

2. Samuel Cross (Wales)

In London, Cross will be donning the colour of his home nation Wales, in a bid to secure a Great Britain jersey in Rio. Sevens is not all about the glitz and glamour of the try scoring speedsters, a good side needs a man like Samuel Cross. Topping the ranks with 114 tackles to his name highlights the work rate and determination that makes a defensive general out of him. Wales will be looking to improve on their Shield Final loss in Paris in the previous Round of the Series against Portugal and Cross will be seen hitting it hard in a defensive wall of red.

3. Vatemo Ravouvou (Fiji)

Points from the boot are not as appreciated in Sevens as they are in the XV a side game, but there is no denying a win from the boot is just as sweet. Ravouvou has slotted 97 conversions, more than anyone else in the tournament. Averaging 6.11 points a match this year, he consistently keeps the score board ticking over for Fiji. The tense climax to the season between the top three sides in the competition may well see a nail biting finish and having a relaible boot could prove crucial.

4. Virimi Vakatawa (France)

Despite limited playing time in this year’s Series due to being selected for France’s Six Nations squad, Vakatawa has still managed to accrue 22 tries for his side. Having only played 28 matches makes that statistic all the more impressive. A man adept in both codes would shine in any side, but he has bolstered the French team massively with his all around Sevens ability. Certainly one that fans should be keeping an eye at Twickenham.

5. Nick Cummins (Australia)

On the field and off the field in particular, Nick Cummins is a man that gets our attention. The king of the one liners has drawn a following to the fantastic sport of Sevens in his own unique Aussie manner. With so many of the ‘Honey Badgers’ interviews going viral, his presence on camera alongside his speed and finishing ability, puts Sevens’ in all the right spotlights. If you haven’t been watching him already, where have you been, be sure to keep a close watch over him in the coming weeks, both on and off the pitch.

6. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

A cross over from the XV’s format to Sevens like Cummins, Sonny Bill is well known throughout the rugby world as a king of the offload. The last time he graced the Twickenham turf was to collect and then give away a Rugby World Cup winning medal. In giving his medal to a boy who tried to get on the field, Sonny Bill assured himself a place in the hearts and minds of many. New Zealand fans will be hoping he has had time to settle into the Sevens game and spur his side onto a 13^th World Series title.

7. Jarryd Hayne (Fiji)

In the last couple of days Jarryd Hayne, the now former NRL star and NFL player has cast Sevens into the spotlight like none before. It still remains to be seen as to whether fans will witness him taking to the field in London or indeed Rio, but as he has begun training with the Fiji squad his latest dream is still alive. Explosive and dynamic at his best, he would be a fantastic attribute to any rugby side, but just how he can settle into the rhythm of Sevens is an answer that rugby fans await. Pundits across the world have had their say and now it is up to Hayne to prove them right or wrong.

Written by Christopher Duffy on behalf of www.TheRugbyPod.com

Statistics courtesy of WorldRugby.org