World Rugby Sevens Series betting this year has been dominated in the main by the team labelled the 'Blitzboks' – South Africa. In fact, such has been their success that the Boks' victory in Paris has scuppered the prospect of England overhauling them on home soil at Twickenham on 20/21 May in what would have been a very popular bet.
They defeated Scotland 15-5 in the Paris final, sealing the Series Title after beating New Zealand 26-5 in the semi-final (and England failing to beat Scotland in a thrilling 19-17 loss). The World Rugby Sevens Series isn't just about the overall Championship though – each event has its own bragging rights and the dynamics of the game always offer interesting online betting options and potential value!
Online betting sites are remaining tight-lipped on the odds as the World Sevens comes to Twickenham, with few revealing their cards until very close to the event. Many – including bet365 and Betway – see South Africa as hot favourites for the London event, but others will be looking for better value bets in the available rugby betting markets:
The Blitzboks have won an impressive six of this season's World Series events, making them undoubtedly the bookies favourites once again. They're currently 2/1 with bet365 to clinch the win in London. The question is: will a Championship winning effort in Paris leave the Boks fired up to end the season in style, or leave them deflated and lacking their usual mental and physical commitment? If the South Africans come in at very cramped odds towards the start of play, the fact they have nothing to play for except pride might leave them exposed to hungrier sides.
England are very much in with a chance of glory on home soil, having twice beaten the South Africans in World Series finals this campaign – including in Cape Town. In fact, beating the Blitzboks on their own stomping ground was a very good performance and demonstrates mental excellence as well as technical skill. England, roared on by home support, will have no fear of the South Africans. If their odds are reasonable they look a solid bet to take the final Series. At time of writing, England are priced at 11/2 with Betway.
Well, firstly it's worth noting that all of the Series in this campaign have been won by sides who currently have over 80 points:
| Team | Points Earned | Series Won |
|---|---|---|
| *South Africa | 179 | 6 |
| *England | 145 | 2 |
| *Fiji | 142 | 1 |
| New Zealand | 127 | 0 |
| USA | 114 | 0 |
| Australia | 101 | 0 |
| Scotland | 87 | 0 |
| *Canada | 81 | 1 |
| Argentina | 80 | 0 |
| Wales | 66 | 0 |
| France | 61 | 0 |
| Kenya | 58 | 0 |
| Samoa | 48 | 0 |
While South Africa and England have shared eight victories between them, shocks have been caused by Fiji in Hong Kong and Canada in Singapore. The two wins have demonstrated that on their day any of the top nine or ten teams have the ability to raise their game and win a Series event at good odds.
In fairness, Fiji are a very solid team, sitting third overall in the table on 142 points; a good showing in London could even see them overtaking England for second place. A bet on the immensely entertaining Fijians is certainly worth consideration; they're sitting pretty with odds of 2/1 at bet365.
As for Canada, who Betway's backing at a long-shot 50/1, their win was far more of a surprise, considering they only have 81 points on the board – but it does show the potential for an upset for the sides outside the top three.
The best sides who haven't won a Series this season are New Zealand, USA and Australia – hedging your bets on these three teams will give you a run for your money and plenty of excitement. bet365 is offering attractive odds of 9/2, 10/1 and 25/1 respectively.
The pools are seeded, making it potentially straightforward when it comes to betting on who will qualify for the quarter-finals. Based on the total points totals of the sides and general performance in the competition this season, here are some 'to qualify' betting predictions:
| Pool | Teams in Pool | Teams Expected to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| A | South Africa, USA, Wales, Kenya | USA & South Africa |
| B | Scotland, Argentina, France, Russia | Scotland & Argentina |
| C | New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, Japan | New Zealand & Fiji |
| D | England, Spain, Australia, Samoa | Australia & England |
The fact the South Africa and England have met more than once in a Series Final this season makes punting on the sides meeting again a solid betting prospect – double it up with an England victory. Regardless of the winner of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series London 2017, the home nation should be a banker to do well.
So, with game time virtually guaranteed, backing Dan Norton to be top points scorer looks a solid strategy; he's been on fire this campaign and is a record breaker in this version of rugby. To place your initial bets on this year's Series, visit bet365's quality rugby betting center today!
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