A summer of football has come to an end but as one World Cup finishes, another begins. The Rugby World Cup Sevens heads to San Francisco this weekend (20-22 July) and is set to serve up just as much drama as football’s version in Russia.
It’s a straight knockout format, with the men’s and women’s tournaments played side-by-side, and on show will be the “world’s best rugby player” in Portia Woodman.
Semi Kunatani – Fiji
In the men’s tournament you could name all 12 Fijians and six or seven that weren’t even selected as players to watch. Fiji look untouchable. In Josua Tuisova, 24, Leone Nakarawa, 30, and Semi Radradra, 26, they’ve not only got three of the best sevens players in the world but they’re the best 15-a-side players in the world too.
Add to that another six Olympic gold medallists in their team and guys like Semi Kunatani, 27, and it’s theirs to lose.# Kunatani, or ‘The Beast’ as they call him, comes from a very small, poor village. His mum died when he was a baby and he was brought up by the village elders – his five surrogate mothers.
He singlehandedly took control of the Olympic final in 2016 but he’s so laid-back, he just does it when he wants. He’s almost untouchable in a team of untouchables. If he’s fit, he’ll stand out way above everyone else.
Portia Woodman – New Zealand
The women’s tournament is straightforward – it’s a two-horse race between Australia and New Zealand. And it’s all about two players – Australia’s Charlotte Caslick and New Zealand’s Portia Woodman.
Woodman, 27, is the best player – men’s or women’s, sevens or XVs- in the world. She came from netball and was on the verge of a Silver Ferns call-up before switching sports when New Zealand Rugby launched a programme looking for female athletes to play sevens in Rio.
She is sublime. She’s powerful, got footwork, is an amazing defender and a brilliant thinker of the game. Any team that has Woodman in it are destined to win the title. On both sides of the ball, attack and defence, you don’t want to be anywhere near Woodman if you’re up against her. It will be New Zealand for me, with Australia as runners-up.
Perry Baker – United States
Finally, I’m going with America’s Perry Baker, who was the 2017 world sevens player of the year. ‘Speedstick’ is his nickname because he’s tall and thin but absolutely rapid. He scores tries from anywhere and he’s the leading try-scorer in the world.
If America get at least 40% possession and the 32-year-old can get his hands on the ball half a dozen times during the games, then we could well see America pushing everyone else and getting their hands on the trophy on.
Charlotte Caslick – Australia
Charlotte Caslick is the poster girl in Australia, she won Olympic gold in 2016 and has lifted women’s rugby sevens globally. The 23-year-old was the world sevens player of the year in 2016, has become the face of the game and is now being touted for a switch to rugby league.
She’s a very balanced footballer, can pass off either hand and she steps off either foot. Whenever the ball goes to her things happen, she can create the outside break and can finish off well. When she’s on form that Australia team ticks. If Charlotte’s playing well Australia will go deep into the World Cup.
Werner Kok – South Africa
For South Africa, Werner Kok epitomises their 100% application in everything they do. He covers the field like an advanced rash and he’s a pain to play against. He’s got flowing golden locks, works hard and fights hard. He’s the heartbeat of the Blitzbokke, who last month secured back-to-back World Series titles, and if the 25-year-old is playing well South Africa will go far.
The World Cup may be behind Olympic glory and the World Series title in the sevens pecking order but a South African side full of confidence will certainly want to add this one to their list.