UR7s have kindly let me once again don my pundit’s hat to give my final thoughts on the National Sevens Series teams before the first tournament at London’s RugbyRocks this weekend.

As I have done for the last month here are my power ratings, which rank the core Series teams in my eyes. This is based on players they have registered and form so far this season and just general inclinations I have.

Later this week I’ve decided to stick my neck on the line and make some predictions on how things might pan out at RugbyRocks. But first the Power Rankings...

1. Samurai International - Samurai sent out their academy side (Barracudas) to Kenya’s Safari Sevens last weekend and were given a strong working over. But they will of benefited from the run-out and of course their Seniors, the 'International', will be at RugbyRocks this weekend. The match day squad will comprise of eight of the players that won in Amsterdam for 6th consecutive year with Carl Murray captain. They will be tough to stop, no doubt. But it only takes a special performance from someone and they can be beaten.

2. British Army - The Army went to Rome and though could not conquer, they were impressive. Breezing through their group, beating the Templars for the second time in six days, they went on to beat France in quarter-finals. The Reds came up short against Australia in the semi-finals though, with the Aussies proving a revelation on the World Series this year and going onto win in Rome. Their form over the last few weeks suggest they really mean business this summer. They feel they have a point to prove after losing the Babcock trophy to the Navy at Twickenham in May

3. HFW Wailers - I cannot wait to watch the Wailers play this summer. So many eyes are on the sides above them in the rankings but I am sure there is a tournament win in these boys from the North-East. Fielden, Batty and Riddel and the speed of Tyson Lewis are going to make them a very watchable side indeed.

4. White Hart Marauders - The young Marauders side came away with some silverware in Rome this weekend and with registration complete they have a great blend of youth and experience. If the National Series is going to prove to be a developmental pathway to international honours, my bet is that the players to benefit will come from the Marauders. Watch out for Miles Mantella who was superb at National Schools in March.

5. Gilbert Pups - Slight drop in the rankings for the Pups due to the inclusion of Esher at RugbyRocks. The Pups has registered five members of Esher’s dominant National 1 side and they will actually be running against them come Saturday. Hylton and Odejobi will be hard to replace but expect them to be back in the line-up for the second leg, next week in the West Country (July 19).

6. Olorun ID - Ask me in half an hour and I will place these boys 9th and another half an hour, maybe 5th! Hummm?! Just not sure what they are going to do this weekend? Have one ridiculous game of sevens that wows the crowd and then crash for the rest of the tournament? Or show some form of consistency? Who knows... but looking forward to see. There are various internationals in the squad so let’s see who is on the park over the next few weeks.

7. Akuma Smurfs - I am going to head down to Richmond on Friday evening to watch the Welshmen train. I am excited to see Jason Tovey play as he has had a lot of press in Wales. I am expecting these boys to throw some shocks out there but perhaps not this weekend. Once they get all get sevens in their legs, then again they can take down the established guard.

8. Raging Bull Ronin - Ronin are training hard in the Midlands and have had their Forces players signed off by their commanding officers. Good news. The men in yellow will play a power game that will require a dedicated defense to stop but the jury is still out. I wish them well as admire their passion and enthusiasm for the abbreviated code.

9. Apache - Hurt by injuries and unavailability. Issues this weekend could see the self- proclaimed 'best looking side in the tournament’ struggle! What Apache have in their pocket is a really solid style of rugby sevens and the naming of former Welsh international Dan Connolly in the squad gives them a boost.

Check out my predictions for London’s RugbyRock which will go up on Friday!! Get down to Richmond and buy your tickets. Some great music acts and DJs after the sevens action. Click here to buy them. Great value!

PS – Don’t expect me to watch the FIFA World Cup (England v USA) though on the big screen. No interest in the modern game. Miss the 80s when footballer’s hair and shorts were honest and salaries were fair. Rant over.

Keep it 7s,

JB

---

Related articles:

National Sevens Series Power Rankings Vol. IV
National Sevens Series Power Rankings Vol. III