September 18, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returned – kinda. After a 7-month, COVID-induced, absence from World Rugby international sevens competition, Great Britain won the fast four event in dominant fashion. Now, Canada, Mexico and the United States attempt to dethrone the title winners this weekend, in Edmonton.
In the September 19 gold medal game, the United States was down 0-14 in the first two minutes. This was due to the extraordinary play of Jasmine Joyce. The Welsh-born Joyce ran through the United States defense twice before the red, white & blue could get on the scoreboard. However, the USA showed more fight than in their 12-41 loss against GB the day prior and went into halftime down 12-17.
Ultimately, Great Britain distanced themselves from their competition, completing four additional tries in the second half, on their way to a 34-12 victory.
Here’s one goal for each team, as the four sides aim to improve on past performances to finish off the short 2021 season.
Mexico – Get Points on the Board
The Mexico Rugby “Serpientes” had the most difficult weekend. In five matches, Mexico didn’t register a point, losing by an average of 46 points. To be fair, their rugby federation doesn’t have full-time, professional, rugby players. Members of Mexico’s sevens team have full-time professions, with rugby on the side, which is the opposite for their fast four competitors.
Without the same level of training or resources, it’s difficult to compete with sides featuring Olympians. However, that means they have the most room for improvement.
A goal for the serpientes is to get on the scoreboard. As the federation grows along with the sport itself, having another weekend against tough competition will go a long way in building their program. Scoring anything this weekend will build that confidence.
Canada – Build the Future
Of the four teams, Canada brought the fewest players with HSBC World Rugby Sevens event experience. Outside of captain Olivia Apps and Emma Chown, 11 made their World Rugby debuts. Although they finished third, Canada came the closest to beating the eventual champions, losing 5-19 against Great Britain on September 18.
This weekend is about continuing to grow the next generation of talent. Having most first-team players taking the two weekend tournaments off, it allows less experienced players to cut their teeth internationally.
United States – Improve Defensive Organization
Looking down the roster of Vancouver and Edmonton’s squads, Great Britain has the most experience, and it isn’t close. The Vancouver winners brought six Olympians to Canada, and their chemistry was evident on the field. That doesn’t mean the United States can’t compete.
An extra week of training means more time to study film and make tactical changes. In the gold medal game, Great Britain took advantage of the United States not getting back on the line on restarts. Joyce caught the United States on their heels before the defensive shape could get settled. Quicker organization can keep the USA closer to GB.
Offensively, Jaz Gray made her World Rugby Sevens debut and shined. Gray scored six tries, including a dramatic first try where she showed patience in waiting for space to open up, cut past one Canada defender and ran near 30 meters, and past the goal line.
A hurdle to their chances comes in one big absence. The United States will have to do that without Olympian Nia Toliver, who sustained an injury in Vancouver. Toliver is with the team in Edmonton, but will not compete.
Great Britain – Stay the Course
Outside of their six-point victory in pool play, against Canada, Great Britain never let the competition get close. GB won by an average of 27 points per match. There’s no reason why GB can’t do that again this weekend.
Great Britain has no change to their roster from last week to this weekend. The real question to ask about this weekend is can anyone get close? If GB continues their stellar play, defensive organization and exposing a lack of preparedness of their opponents that are still learning to play together, the answer isn’t good for the competition.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the world of rugby sevens, the WNBA Playoffs and more. Thomas Costello is on Twitter too. You can follow him at @1ThomasCostello.
