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Put simply the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series crown will either be going to Samoa or New Zealand. With the teams heading to the London Sevens this weekend, followed by Edinburgh the next, things couldn’t be tighter with Samoa just three points in front of the Kiwis.

As was the case with South Africa last year, Samoa are going for their first-ever overall IRB Sevens crown. They have already beaten the Kiwis five times this year, always by the slimmest of margins. If New Zealand snatch the ultimate prize it will be very much business as usual for the eight time winners.

But how do the front-runners match up?

The Gaffers

NZ’s Gordon Tietjens is ultimately the greatest coach the seven-a-side game has ever seen. Still bristling with the intensity and competitiveness he first had when he first took the job in the mid 90s, he has been in this position for the European legs on countless occasions. Betham in his first full year in charge might not match Titch’s experience but he must be praised. Using largely the same players Samoa have had in past seasons, the calming influence of a shrewd Betham has bought the consistency of performance missing before.

Samoa 8.5 New Zealand 10

The Generals

DJ Forbes (NZ) and Lolo Lui (Sam) may officially wear the captain’s armbands but to be frank both teams are stuffed full of leaders.

Forbes is the all-action hero on the paddock not afraid to dog on the ground and snarl at opponents. He leads from the front and is in his fourth year of captaining the team. The vastly experienced Zar Lawrence and Tomasi Cama further back-up Forbes. Samoa’s Lui is more of a calming influence, the orchestrator at first receiver who controls the tempo of his squad. Former Samoa captains Uale Mai and Ofisa Treviranus help shoulder the responsibility for Lui.

Samoa 9 New Zealand 9

The Tries

Although the IRB’s leading try-scorer Mikaele Pesamino (Samoa) has scored a stunning 47 times this season, the Kiwis have actually gone over more times than the Samoans; 151 to 139. Samoa’s strength is that their forwards have the edge over New Zealand in the mobility stakes with the likes of Fa'osiliva also regularly crossing. David Lemi can also bring that X Factor to Samoa’s offence to back-up Pesamino. NZ welcome back the impressive Sherwin Stowers with the likes of Kurt Baker another open field dangerman. Tim Mikkelson and Forbes regularly chip in also. Prediction? A glut of tries.

Samoa 9.5 New Zealand 9

The Grunt

Hard to separate the two forward lines. Both outstanding. Samoa’s trio of Fa'osiliva Treviranuas, and Mikaele have performed wonders grappling on the floor, forcing turnovers, and dominating the re-start. Supplemented by extraordinary bouts of energy and work-rate they have been a joy to watch.

NZ’s Forbes has matched them round for round and the return of the dexterous Raikabula and a vintage Solomon King can make a big difference in denting Samoa’s superiority.

Samoa 10 New Zealand 9

The String Pullers

As UR7s columnist Nigel Starmer-Smith is not afraid to remind us, Samoa should be thankful that scrum-half Uale Mai failed to get a work visa to play for the Cornish Pirates! Since Mai’s return to the side in Wellington he has been inspired, performing in crunch games and steering the ship.

With Lui outside him, it is little wonder the likes of Pesamino has scored so many. New Zealand’s Tomasi Cama is more of a spiky operator, but just as influential and has that ability to up the gears on finals day. Beyond Cama, Zar Lawrence can’t always be guaranteed to start these days but technically is still superb with the best distribution around.

Samoa 9.5 New Zealand 9

The Extras

Kicking is often an overlooked aspect in rugby sevens but such is the competiveness of the World Series it often goes down to conversions. Samoa possesses a genius in Lolo Lui who time after time has taken my breath away with outrageous kicks from all over the park. He also isn’t afraid of open play drop kicks too. A key weapon in breaking the deadlock. New Zealand’s Cama is no mug himself and also performs well under pressure racking up 174 points over the year.

Samoa 10 New Zealand 8.5

Final Scores

Samoa 56.5/60

New Zealand 54.5/60

So according to the UR7s rankings Samoa holds the slimmest of advantages heading into the next two weekends.

Little really choose between two excellent teams and expect the Series to go down to the wire next Sunday in Edinburgh.

Agree or disagree? Let us know below sevens fans!