Best teams in 7's Rugby?

[liddy]

Who do you rate as the best teams in 7's Rugby?

[Caledfwlch]

Oriental Rongatoi. I saw them last November and the way they played was simlpy awesome. Their number 6 who has an afro, Intl 7s need tha kind of step (a la Benji Marshall)!

[jawmalawm24]

I rate Fiji as the best for some reason I just always look at Nz being kaka don't know why.

[Vambo]

Wigan & Bradford :D ;)

[Prestwick]

Currently, in terms of ranking in the league:

1. Crusaders
2. Blues
3. Sharks
4. Waratahs

Wait...have I got the right post? I think I'm meant to post this in the Rugby League section..but I'm not sure? :huh:

[Vambo]

Apologies peeps.
Just went to this thread direct... didn't realise it was IRB 7's specific.

Sorry guys.

Just ignore me.

[All_Blacks_Hurricanes_Lions_Fan]

New Zealand and Fiji both teams have massive attacking ability but i would New Zealand ahead mainly for there better all round game.

[Steve-o]

If I'm not correct, aren't the current standings

1st - NZ
2nd - Fiji
3rd - SA

[Incredible Schalk]

Arent Samoa better than South Africa? England are normally good but theyve been cack this season for some reason..

[Steve-o]

I've been following the Sevens series recently, that so that was based on their point standings mostly. And I believe Kenya are above Somoa currently.

I've only been following the competition roughly though.

But expect SA to get better as they're finally signing players on proper Sevens contracts, so they'll have some continuity now.

[terra06]

i think the aust team in the commonwealth games 06 was awsome
guys like giteau, lote, latham, fava

[melon]

Yeah...except we sucked...

[candybum]

What about NZ, the champions of the 1998 commonwealth games?

Eric Rush, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Bruce Reihana, Rico Gear etc

[Orcaral]

New Zealand hands down. Just look at their record under Titch. Think it's something like 8 of the last 9 world series? Not to mentoin the Commonwealth Gold medal in 2006.

[Brett22Smith]

I rate Fiji as the best for some reason I just always look at Nz being kaka don't know why.
[/b]
I agree-fiji are the all time best 7's players. They are built for it and keep on getting fresh new talent guided by the oldies. Fiji will probably always be on top.

[candybum]

They're a team definitely with the most flair!

[Orcaral]

<div class='quotemain'>
I rate Fiji as the best for some reason I just always look at Nz being kaka don&#39;t know why.
[/b]
I agree-fiji are the all time best 7&#39;s players. They are built for it and keep on getting fresh new talent guided by the oldies. Fiji will probably always be on top.
[/b][/quote]

Thing is though, Fiji has never been on top for all that long. A world cup here and a series title there. They have had some special players and their flair and attacking ability is second to none. But you can&#39;t beat New Zealand&#39;s record of sucess in 7&#39;s over the last decade or so.

[KeepItTapu]

Mate has to be NZ 7&#39;s. Gordan Titch really can mould a young team into world beaters. Same recipe everytime Fitness till it kills them and a couple of old heads to inspire and bring the team together. If he got a dollar for every S14 player he produced in his system he would be rolling in it. Got that young guy Vito who he has turned into a monster on the field. Always enjoy watching NZ vs Figi or Samoa and occasionally England. So there I reckon NZ team coached by titch.

[stoothcw]

So any teams are good. Fiji are fearless, England are quick and fit + New Seland, well they are New Zeeland. I would say it is always going to be New Zeeland!!

[xusky]

What about NZ, the champions of the 1998 commonwealth games?

Eric Rush, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Bruce Reihana, Rico Gear etc
[/b]
Awsome team man some of the most explosive players to have played the game.

[n3dsports]

But what is it about the Pacific teams that make them so good when it comes to sevens? It is like they are willing to try things on the pitch that others can&#39;t even think about.

[Dream]

Vauxhall Motors sevens side are pretty good!!!

[nick_w]

But what is it about the Pacific teams that make them so good when it comes to sevens? It is like they are willing to try things on the pitch that others can&#39;t even think about.
[/b]

They play rugby from their own 22m. That transfers over to their 15 man game as well.

In terms of consistency, New Zealand are clearly the best, the figures show that. But in terms of pure excitement and sheer shock and awe value Fiji are clear favourites. New Zealand had Lomu, Gear and Rush. Fiji have had Serevi and Caucau.

[peppers07]

I know this is of topic and stuf and will probably be delete or something but i cant find it any where including on their websites will the hong kong sevens be shown on setanta ireland or sky sports if not what channels

[melon]

I know this is of topic and stuf and will probably be delete or something but i cant find it any where including on their websites will the hong kong sevens be shown on setanta ireland or sky sports if not what channels [/b]
If you really thought it would be deleted, why did you post it :P

But anyways, its a valid question, maybe just make your own topic next time. "Hong Kong 7&#39;s Coverage" or something like that.

I can&#39;t find any information on who is covering the tournament, but its a certainty Fox Sports over here will. I&#39;m not sure about Setanta Ireland, but you&#39;d think they would...the same with Sky Sports.

How about check the TV guides for those stations on the dates of the HK7s. That&#39;ll be your best bet :)

Hmmmm...now...back on topic!

[peppers07]

<div class='quotemain'> I know this is of topic and stuf and will probably be delete or something but i cant find it any where including on their websites will the hong kong sevens be shown on setanta ireland or sky sports if not what channels [/b]
If you really thought it would be deleted, why did you post it :P

But anyways, its a valid question, maybe just make your own topic next time. "Hong Kong 7&#39;s Coverage" or something like that.

I can&#39;t find any information on who is covering the tournament, but its a certainty Fox Sports over here will. I&#39;m not sure about Setanta Ireland, but you&#39;d think they would...the same with Sky Sports.

How about check the TV guides for those stations on the dates of the HK7s. That&#39;ll be your best bet :)

Hmmmm...now...back on topic!
[/b][/quote]

Thanks

[dady11]

<div class='quotemain'>
I rate Fiji as the best for some reason I just always look at Nz being kaka don&#39;t know why.
[/b]
I agree-fiji are the all time best 7&#39;s players. They are built for it and keep on getting fresh new talent guided by the oldies. Fiji will probably always be on top.
[/b][/quote]

fiji and south africa

[candybum]

Yes South Africa&#39;s got speed to burn!

[Gay-Guy]

But what is it about the Pacific teams that make them so good when it comes to sevens? It is like they are willing to try things on the pitch that others can&#39;t even think about. [/b]



At the risk of souding racists please take into account that I am generalising :lol:



European stock are generally big and strong

African stock are generally slight and speedy

Asian stock are generally short and agile

Pacific stock are generally big, strong, agile and speedy.



So currently the world sevens is being led by the best BRAIN who can harness pacific stock. The best brain is not in the Fiji, Samoa, or Tongan team. The best brain is Gorden Titchens who uses mainly pacific stock consisting of Maori, Samoan, Tonagan and Fijian players coupled with a good budget and up to date training methods and equipment.



Gordon Titchens would have the same results if he had Fiji or Samoa (or even Tonga) for 10 years with a similar budget :o



So how will the rest of the world dominate the sevens scene?



European stock players need to be chosen on speed as they are already big and strong in their genes.

African players need to be chosen on strength as they already have speed in their genes.

Asian players need players as tall as Fijians as they are already agile by nature.



Or they could do what they do in NZ. Cross breeding between races to create the better alround player. Cross breeding also creates the better looking player as well :P



Anyway...hopefully the NZRFU keeps Gordon Ttitchens for as long as they can. We don&#39;t want another situation where they lose another Gatland overseas. Imagine how terrible it would be for the world sevens if Gordon and Eric went overseas to coach Fiji! :o

[Charles]

About the running/stepping ability I&#39;m pretty sure that playing on the beach/ on a sandy surface from a young age has some effect as well.

[hamo]

My heart says Samoa: Finally won an IRB Series tournament in 2007 in Wellington; in the same year they went on to win the biggest of them all, Hong Kong Sevens. They might not be as fast all-round like Fiji are but they sure as hell hav got skills and power. I wouldve been saying this in all honesty around the same time last year.

However, NZ has been flawless during this whole 07/08 circuit and that shows in their 80 maximum points. Fiji have been dissapointing but Hong Kong is pretty much do or die for them, now that they&#39;ve brought in some huge names in Ryder, Vunibaka, Volavola, and Roko, its sort of an no alternatives but to win situation.

[rodri_arg91]

I admire the teams of Fiji and NZ...It&#39;s amazing to watch them play

[toutai]

Yes South Africa&#39;s got speed to burn!
[/b]


argentina almos beats them in HK,
but they suffered that speed you are talking about...
<_<

[ade11]

Based on form:
1. New Zealand
2. Samoa
3. Fiji
4. South Africa
5. Kenya

[gaslight]

I love watching any of the Pacific Islands teams play 7&#39;s. Has to be the most entertaining rugby going.

[mike-o-l]

The Best team is definitely New Zealand. South Africa, Fiji and Samao recently have being the only team that ever looked like stopping New Zealand

[Sneaki]

New Zealand and Samoa. Fiji haven&#39;t been at their best.

[cacamou]

i think that Fiji is the best team by far, they are just incredible

[gunner2008]

NZ the best, but are also others!!! It is not necessary to forget it!!!

[malologa]

i watched the london 7&#39;s,goodness i was disapointed with the nz team,knocked out in the q.f by england.good on samoa 4 the win.but il stick 2 samoa,fiji and nz.

[Fa'atau82]

London 7&#39;s yeah!

Seki a Samoa!

[robbo1981]

I love 7s. Can&#39;t wait till there&#39;s a sevens PC game. Never understood why Ireland never puts a team into the world 7s series.

[Chappy1]

<div class='quotemain'>
What about NZ, the champions of the 1998 commonwealth games?

Eric Rush, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Bruce Reihana, Rico Gear etc
[/b]
Awsome team man some of the most explosive players to have played the game.
[/b][/quote]


I agree that year was the best year 7s had to offer

[Donald]

SA will be a force with their pace imo.

[devilrrr]

NZ is the better side...just...but Fiji, SA, England, Samoa even Australia hehe...anyone can take it on their day.

[xavier]

Fiji..hands down

[Sab]

I think New Zealand will make it ..

[facuccba]

Fiji and Samoa have very good teams

[Chizzle]

1998 NZ sevens, -Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu-. Nuff said

[Maubec]

Actually, NZ&#39;s the best and Soma come second.
But for History, Fiji&#39;s th number one in Sevens !

Sevens rugby&#39;s really so exciting but I can&#39; understand why it&#39;s so unknown in France !
To watch some tournaments, you have to wake up at 7 on the monday or to wait until 1 in the sunday night...
No live matchs on TV...
So bad.

When you see Fijians, New Zealanders, South Africans or Samoans... Whoaa... What a game it is !
And it&#39;s the only rugby (for the moments) when "lowers" countries can make it agaisnt big names of the XV sides like Kenya, Georgia, Portugal, Russia...

I really hope Sevens will be olympics soon.

[sirmorne]

1st Nz
2d Sa and fiji - it all depens on the bounch of the ball

[S30Z]

1st Nz
2d Sa and fiji - it all depens on the bounch of the ball
[/b]

I do love NZ N Fiji...but in 7&#39;s...Well..I guess...I choose Fiji...eventhough Serevei is not playing anymore...huhuhuhu :P

[bates]

NZ and Fiji, With Fiji as my favorite

[dway-nos]

definatly Nz and Fiji are the heavyweights

[chingnow]

England was unbeatable when thay had ugo monye, richard haughton david strettle, matthew tait and ben gollings

[Bullitt]

Why did Fiji win the World 7s series that year then?

[Prestwick]

That was the Commonwealth Games team which, actually, was pretty awesome (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/4815546.stm).

New Zealand won gold and were thus, in effect, world champs.

[chingnow]

but then they won it when the world cup was in hk :S

[Bullitt]

That was the Commonwealth Games team which, actually, was pretty awesome (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/commonwealth_games/4815546.stm).

New Zealand won gold and were thus, in effect, world champs. [/b]

*Commonwealth champions ;)

[Prestwick]

Well, until it gets the Olympic nod, the Commonwealth Games is the more high profile sevens showcase, the BBC probably drew more viewer numbers with their Commonwealth games coverage than with their usual rubbish "red button" Saturday afternoon affairs...

[Callum]

NZ FTW does Rico Gear still play in the 7s team?

[chingnow]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Callum @ Aug 31 2008, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ('index.php?act=findpost&pid=344889')</div>
NZ FTW does Rico Gear still play in the 7s team?[/b]

i dont think he does lol
havent seen him play in sevens for ages

[alexrugby]

Well Georgian rugby sevens team has won the Hannover European Sevens&#39; Third Place after overcoming Ireland. This gives me right to put my country sevens&#39; in this thread

Othervise Fiji is the best I think

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Georgia_Rugby.jpg/200px-Georgia_Rugby.jpg

[lwkfella1991]

fiji samoa australia are the best

[Wally]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LeksoRugby @ Sep 7 2008, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ('index.php?act=findpost&pid=346214')</div>
Well Georgian rugby sevens team has won the Hannover European Sevens&#39; Third Place after overcoming Ireland. This gives me right to put my country sevens&#39; in this thread

Othervise Fiji is the best I think

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Georgia_Rugby.jpg/200px-Georgia_Rugby.jpg[/b]
Nice try.

[kinkon89]

fiji

entertainment at its best

[chingnow]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lwkfella1991 @ Sep 14 2008, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ('index.php?act=findpost&pid=347664')</div>
fiji samoa australia are the best[/b]

Austrailia? i dont think that they are that good at the sevens they harldy ever win th cup.

[mongoose]

The best 7s team I&#39;ve ever seen has to be the Fiji 1990-1992 squad. They won 3 straight HK 7s titles and revolutionized the way 7s rugby was played. If they had the IRB 7s series back then, this team would never drop a game in every tournament for 3 straight seasons, that is how good they were. It got to a point where I really couldn&#39;t be bothered wether they lost or won, because they were at that time unstoppable.

If anyone digs up old video footage of 7s before 1990, I&#39;m sure you&#39;ll see 7s being played in a way similar to 10s and 15s. Teams often kicked for territory, most part of the game was around mini rucks/mauls, and there was hardly any free flowing stuff you see today. When the Fiji 1990-1992 team came into the scene, they introduced something in 7s never seen before..FLARE.. You could clearly see each player was chosen for a different task, for example before 1990, the position of a sweeper was non-existent in 7s. The likely scenario of a 7s game back then was win possesion, hoof it down the pitch and then we&#39;ll have foot race between opposing teams, when you get there, it starts all over again. When Serevi started dropping back sweeping the rear like a temporary fullback, most teams saw this was something different and it more or less put a stop to that kick and chase in 7s, because all he did was run it up the field running rings around opposition players.

[super15man]

the nz public doesn&#39;t take 7&#39;s seriously it just an excuse to dress up and get pissed :P

[Hall]

Can&#39;t say I&#39;m a massive fan of sevens.

[kinkon89]

thanks for letting us know that...appreciate it

[Hall]

You&#39;re welcome.

And the point you are making is duly noted.