Rugby 7’s is an unpredictable beast. What we do know is that the top Teams in the world, New Zealand, South Africa, England and Fiji can each win tournaments or the overall title in a specific year. This is what makes 7’s rugby so appealing.

Before last year it was New Zealand who ruled the roost and produced a 47-match victory run.

Then last year the Springboks had a brilliant year and won the IRB 7’s Title.

This week’s tournament in George, South Africa  follows the tournament in Dubai last week where New Zealand got their 7’s season off to the perfect start, winning the Dubai Title.

That is why Round Two of the IRB Series, in George on Friday and Saturday, promises plenty of excitement and drama.

With captain DJ Forbes in commanding form and the undoubted try-scoring ability of Sherwin Stowers New Zealand have arrived in this holiday resort on the South Coast of South Africa as clear favourites.

Kiwi coach Gordon Tietjens also knows that back-to-back tournament victories will put his team in pole position in the IRB Series.

But before they even get to be thinking about the play-offs on Saturday, they have to negotiate the tricky group stages on Friday, where Wales, Samoa and the United States await them in Pool C.

Samoa will be their toughest challenge, a team which will be looking to avenge their defeat to the Kiwis in the Dubai Final. Wales, as they showed in the World Cup, cannot be ignored as a threat, while the rebuilding American Eagles outfit may well be the easier of all their Pool C rivals.

Hosts South Africa head Pool A – where African rivals Kenya, France and another African outfit Zimbabwe make up the numbers. Well, making up the numbers is a bit harsh. The Kenyans are one of the most dangerous teams on the circuit – having already knocked over the Boks, Kiwis and even Fiji in recent years. France and Zimbabwe may not have the same Sevens reputations, but are also in the ‘not be underestimated’ category.

Springbok coach Paul Treu and captain Paul Delport spoke this week of the disappointment of the defeats in Dubai.

“We were spot on with our composure and decision- making on day one but we were found wanting in those two areas on Saturday when it mattered,” Treu said.

“The two losses were a massive eye-opener for the guys and they now realise that we will have to play so much better as the defending SA tournament and World Series champions.”

Delport is also well aware that his team will have to deliver vastly improved performances this week.

“We’ve put what happened in Dubai to rest and have identified areas in our game plan where we possibly could have done something different,” said Delport. “I hope things will swing our way this weekend.

“There’s not going to be any easy games – we’ve got France, Zimbabwe and then Kenya – but we’re the hosts and reigning champions and want to perform on home soil. The support we receive in George has always been phenomenal and our team enjoys playing here.”

Pool B is headlined by another of the crowd favourites in Fiji – who will have Australia, Portugal and Russia as their rivals. Following their dramatic turnaround in Dubai, by beating the Boks in the Plate Final, the Aussies will be fancied to provide the Pacific Islanders, Fiji, with their toughest test.

As stated, Pool C consists of New Zealand, Wales, Samoa and the United States.

In Pool D you have to fancy England and Argentina, two of the most consistent teams on the IRB circuit, but in Scotland they have a real threat. The fourth African outfit, Tunisia, complete the line-up.

Pools:
Pool A: South Africa, Kenya, France, Zimbabwe
Pool B: Fiji, Australia, Portugal, Russia
Pool C: New Zealand, Wales, Samoa, United States
Pool D: Scotland, England, Argentina, Tunisia

Day One schedule:
(Kick-off is local time – GMT + two hours)
Match 1: Scotland v Argentina, 11.42
Match 2: England v Tunisia, 12.04
Match 3: New Zealand v Samoa, 12.26
Match 4: Wales v United States, 12.48
Match 5: Fiji v Portugal, 13.10
Match 6: Australia v Russia, 13.32
Match 7: South Africa v France, 13.54
Match 8: Kenya v Zimbabwe, 14.16
Match 9: Scotland v Tunisia, 14.48
Match 10: England v Argentina, 15.10
Match 11: New Zealand v United States, 15.32
Match 12: Wales v Samoa, 15.54
Match 13: Fiji v Russia, 16.16
Match 14: Australia v Portugal, 16.38
Match 15: South Africa v Zimbabwe, 17.00
Match 16: Kenya v France, 17.22
Match 17: Argentina v Tunisia, 17.54
Match 18: Samoa v United States, 18.16
Match 19: Portugal v Russia, 18.38
Match 20: France v Zimbabwe, 19.00
Match 21: Scotland v England, 19.32
Match 22: New Zealand v Wales, 19.54
Match 23: Fiji v Australia, 20.16
Match 24: South Africa v Kenya, 20.38