France and Fiji Enter into 2017 Paris Sevens Searching for Success

The Paris Sevens enters into its 15th edition that will take place from 13th to 14th May. In the 2016–17 World Rugby Sevens Series, this is placed as the ninth tournament. As ever, the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris will be playing host to the tournament. Comprising of 16 teams, this tournament will be split up into four groups with each group containing four teams.

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The teams play against each other only once in the group matches with the top two managing to secure a place in the Cup/Plate segments. The bottom two teams will be going into the Bowl/Shield segments.

History

France Sevens has traditionally occupied the final leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series, thus often taking its place as a title decider. Paris has started hosting the event only since 2015, but previous French events have been held at Lyon and Bordeaux. When it came to the Lyon Sevens, England and France were the most successful teams after winning three and two titles out of the five. England won three consecutive events before France concluded the Lyon Sevens with victories in 2014 and 2015.

Favourites

South Africa come into the 2017 Paris Sevens with their lead over Fiji slightly increased following the Singapore Sevens. South Africa have taken 157 points compared to Fiji’s 132 points. Even with this lead, there are causes for concern amongst the South African camp considering that they did not win since Las Vegas Sevens. Since then, Fiji and England have grabbed one win apiece. Reigning Paris champion Samoa are struggling in the 13th place after having taken only 36 points.

As for the 2017 tournament, France and Fiji will be teams which could enter into the tournament in positive fashion after having done well in the previous editions of France Sevens.

France Legend Candelon Will Retire after Paris

Julien Candelon, one of the French rugby legends, has spent over 30 years with the oval ball in his hands. He announced lately that he will retire after the ninth stage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series which will take place in Paris on 13-14 May. It will be his last tournament and he stated: "All great things come to an end eventually". The scrum-half and winger of the French sevens team admitted that he has given most of his life to rugby and it has been very demanding. He went on and discussed the sacrifices he has made in the past 15 years or so, and he believes he is lucky to end his career in such an insightful way.

He has played in forty-two tournaments of the world series and is currently the oldest player on the French team. Other key players with even more experience than him are Manoel Dall'Igna (54 tournaments), Laugel Jonathan (46 tournaments), and Paul Albaladejo (48 tournaments). They are still active.

Paris Is the Key to the Final Stage

Resilience is one of the most important words in the world of sport, and this time of year definitely shows that most teams need an extra dose of this trait to shine. Less fancied teams boast a real chance of shocking the more known nations of the series. We have already witnessed Singapore being defeated by Kenya, Samoa winning the upcoming Paris leg and Scotland beating in London.

A "New World Order" is going to France for the 2017 Paris Sevens and even though different teams from all around the world have different environments and dynamics, it's clear that the final stages are about to heat up. Travel has taken its toll on most teams, especially Asian ones. European teams have the advantage of being geographically closer to each other, but what's more important is the fact that younger players can take on the more experienced ones.

Will South Africa win the trophy? Their complete dominance this season typifies an incredible organisation, team and squad that instilled a great work ethic and stunning camaraderie, which proved to be vital for their success.

Their lead is an amazing 25 points over the Fiji team. At OddsDigger, we believe that South Africa is probably the best team in the SBC World Rugby Sevens Series right now.