Houston Sevens: Pool A Preview

New Zealand

The top ranked side going into round two of the Series, New Zealand have named a stronger side than the one who triumphed in Dubai – having taken the chance to include five players who were missing in December due to Black Fern duty.

That in itself should make New Zealand overwhelming favourites here, but up against an also strengthened England side in their pool, nothing can be taken for granted. That said, New Zealand will certainly be the team to beat in Houston given their imperious form last time out.

Shakira Baker, Kelly Brazier, Kendra Cocksedge, Halie Hurring, and Selica Winiata will all add to the ability of the team, for which Carla Hohepa has returned from an absence to play a starring role again.

The clash with England at the pool stages is certainly the highlight on day one, but they will face a test too from the Netherlands. Should they come through those too they will be certain of a top billing on the second day, as they will have no problems with Trinidad and Tobago.

England

England’s form in round one of the Series in Dubai will bear no resemblance whatsoever on how they go this weekend, given that just two players – Sarah Guest and Ruth Laybourn – remain from that tournament. With all focus now on their Sevens programme, England will be a totally different proposition this time around.

Their ranking from Dubai though has handed them the toughest pool in Houston, and though England will be confident of beating Netherlands and Trinidad – how they fare against New Zealand will be fascinating. The winners of this pool will certainly go on as favourites for the rest of the weekend.

If England want to stay in with a shout of winning the overall series itself, then placing in the top few spots will be important – they currently sit in seventh with eight points – and even though they are in the same pool, an England v New Zealand final is not something to bet against.

Ruth Laybourn has been generating much buzz in the English Premiership with her searing pace and with the inclusion of new enough Sevens faces Katy McLean and Alex Matthews will be interesting to watch as they mix it up with experienced circuit players like Heather Fisher and Alice Richardson.

Netherlands

An eight placed finish in Dubai will certainly have disappointed the Dutch who have poured significant resources and time into their women’s Sevens programme over the last year.

And the Dutch can certainly not be accused of leaving any stone unturned in their efforts to improve. They have been in Houston for a week already, preparing for the tournament and they are also working with former All Black Scott Waldrom who has been spending time with them at home and now in the US.

They are certainly capable of springing an upset in their pool but finishing in the top two is a difficult ask. They had a decent opening day in Dubai in December, before struggling on day two, losing to South Africa and Russia and England. They will be looking to do a much better job here.

Trinidad & Tobago

The lowest ranked side at the tournament, this is a daunting pool for the newcomers, who aim to use the tournament as a catalyst to promote the game back home, where playing numbers are low.

Trinidad do have experience of playing at a decent international level, having reached the final for the NACRA Sevens last summer - losing out to Canada. Success in this tournament may not be in the number of points they register, but in how much they learn from the experience.

The women’s game in Trinidad & Tobago remains very much a minority sport but appearances on the big stage will give them much needed exposure. They will look forward to day two when they will be better equipped to deal with the challenges they face.