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North America’s representatives on the HSBC Women’s Sevens Series are both in line to achieve automatic qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games at this weekend’s final stop on the 2018-2019 season. It’s a formality for both at this stage.
The USA will achieve their goal simply by walking on the field for their first match with only one point required. Canada need only three points and qualification for the Quarter Finals is the shortest route to earning the same distinction.
Winning first place overall is beyond the reach of either with New Zealand now 12 points ahead of the USA, but second overall is very much up for grabs. The Eagles are the current holders on 80 points, with Canada just behind on 78 and Australia at 74.
It’s not just bragging rights that are on offer for the two leading teams from the Americas. While they won’t be required at the Rugby Americas North qualifiers next month, they will be taking part in the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru, at the end of July. A spot in that tournament is up for grabs for some of the younger players.
The USA arrives with their first choice side largely intact but injuries to Jordan Gray-Matyas and Meya Bizer have given opportunities to Kasey McCravey and Stephanie Rovetti. Meanwhile Cheta Emba returns to the side and Kristi Kirshe will play in just her fourth stop on the circuit in what has been a breakthrough year for the 24-year-old.
Pool C will be their starting point with France, Fiji, and China alongside. All matches will be streamed live on the World Rugby Sevens Facebook page for viewers in the USA.
DAY ONE FIXTURES
Sat, Jun 15 – 13:58 local / 07:58 ET – vs China
Sat, Jun 15 – 16:42 local / 10:42 ET – vs Fiji
Sat, Jun 15 – 19:48 local / 13:48 ET – vs France
Canada are laden with experience including seven Bronze medalists from the 2016 Olympics. Karen Paquin has been in storming form since returning for the first time since Rio in April, and there is another chance to impress for relatively inexperienced trio Kaili Lukan, Emma Chown, and Keyara Wardley.
It’s Pool A for Canada to start things off, with Australia, Spain, and Ireland their Day One opponents. All matches will be streamed live on the CBC Sports website for viewers in Canada.
DAY ONE FIXTURES
Sat, Jun 15 – 12:30 local / 06:30 ET – vs Spain
Sat, Jun 15 – 15:14 local / 09:14 ET – vs Ireland
Sat, Jun 15 – 18:20 local / 12:20 ET – vs Australia
A complete tournament fixture list can be seen here.
