Tight race at the top as HSBC SVNS debuts in New York
A
vibrant captains’ photo session at J Owen Grundy Park set the tone
ahead of the tournament, with players posing against the iconic New York
City skyline. But despite the upbeat atmosphere, teams will be all
business once the action kicks off at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
In
the women’s competition, New Zealand carries renewed momentum after
extending its lead over Australia to six points following its victory in
Vancouver, claiming its fourth title in five events this season. The
two giants of women’s sevens have contested every final so far, and they
head into New York as strong favourites to meet again in the showpiece
match. Third-placed USA, however, will be eager to deliver a standout
performance on home soil.
USA star Kristi Kirshe said rugby fans should expect an electric atmosphere as the event gets underway.
“We’ve
been trying to grow the game in America, so I think this is a really
cool opportunity,” she said. “Playing at home gives you that extra
momentum from the crowd. I think fans can expect a party, it’s full
contact, full sprint, and a lot of fun.”
Meanwhile,
the men’s competition is poised for a dramatic finish, with South
Africa and Fiji locked in a fierce contest at the top of the standings.
The Blitzboks, winners in Cape Town, Perth, and Vancouver, are level on
points with Fiji, who have secured victories in Dubai and Singapore and
finished in the top three at every event so far. The two sides are
separated by just two match points, the equivalent of a single conversion, after five tournaments.
Winning
the regular-season standings carries high stakes: the top men’s and
women’s teams will earn exemption from relegation to HSBC SVNS 2 ahead
of the three-tournament World Championship series, which begins in Hong
Kong on 17 April.
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