The HSBC SVNS Series stays in North America for the next leg and heads down to usually sunny Los Angeles and the Dignity Health Sports Park, as the 12 men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams compete in the fifth round of HSBC SVNS 2024 from 1-3 March 2024.
Feature Photo Credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby – LA SVNS 2024 Captains
Updated 29th February 2024
The pools for Los Angeles were drawn shortly after the final in Vancouver and there are some very tough pools due to the mixed results of some of the leading teams.
The consistent imperious form of the Argentina men compared to would-be contendors, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji or South Africa is what has made the difference this season.
While some calls in Fiji from fans have been asking for an unwarranted coaching change, even though they sit tied second on the log, teams like South Africa have more cause for concern as they still need to qualify for the Olympics, and they will face sides such as Canada and GB for that honour in Monaco, so it’s no foregone conclusion.
On the women’s side, it appears as if it remains a two-team race for the title as we have seen in previous seasons, between NZ and Australia.
It’s also becoming more clear which teams will likely end up in the bottom four for the men and women, and they know a tough final completion lies ahead in Madrid as they will play for Series survival against teams still competing for top-four finishes in the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024.
LA SVNS 2024 – Men’s Pools
Argentina extended their lead in the men’s HSBC SVNS 2024 standings to a 24-point margin and will be the ones to stop as they look to add to the three golds and one silver medal from the opening four rounds. Ireland and Fiji are on 54 points in tied second, ahead of NZ, Australia, SA, France, and the USA.
Argentina men’s captain Santiago Alvarez said: “I am very proud of my team and we are very happy of this moment that we are passing but we are trying not to think too much about it and focus on what is coming. Now we are thinking about LA and the big tournament that is coming.”
Alvarez added: “he pools are very tough, every match we play is very tough and that’s why we’re focused on what’s coming, on our system and not thinking about what we’ve won.”
Samoa, GB, Canada and Spain make up the bottom four as it stands.
Pool A
The men’s draw sees current SVNS leaders Argentina together with second-placed Ireland, South Africa and Spain in Pool A.
- Argentina
- Ireland
- South Africa
- Spain
Pool B
Hosts USA are in Pool B together with reigning series champions New Zealand, Australia and Samoa. This seems to be the toughest Men’s pool at the Los Angeles SVNS 2024.
- New Zealand
- USA
- Samoa
- Australia
Pool C
Vancouver bronze medallists France are in Pool C with double Olympic champions Fiji, Great Britain and Canada.
- France
- Fiji
- GB
- Canada
France men’s captain Paulin Riva said, “It is very good for us to play with Antoine (Dupont). He’s a big player with a lot of skills and works hard on the pitch. It was a good start for him with three tries last weekend. We hope to win in LA this weekend and for Antoine to bring us extra confidence on the pitch, which is very important for us.”
LA SVNS 2024 – Women’s Pools
Australia women maintained their position at the top of the women’s HSBC SVNS standings with 72 points after Vancouver, but they are now only six points ahead of New Zealand in second on 66 points. France are only four points behind in third place on 62 points.
USA women’s captain Naya Tapper said: “I cannot imagine how great this is going to be. This is the reason – the why – that we sacrifice so much to play this amazing sport it’s going to be an amazing experience to look into the crowd and see our families, friends and the fans that support us. I just cannot wait…. Our hope for this weekend is to bring the gold medal home and to improve on our performance from last weekend.”
The women’s teams currently in the bottom four are South Africa, Japan, Spain and Brazil.
Pool A
Vancouver champions New Zealand are in women’s Pool A alongside Fiji, Brazil and South Africa.
- NZ
- Fiji
- Brazil
- SA
Pool B
Current SVNS leaders Australia are drawn with France, Perth winners Ireland and Japan.
- France
- Australia
- Ireland
- Japan
Captain’s photo call prior to the HSBC SVNS at Dignity Health Sports Park on 28 February, 2024 in Los Angeles, United States . Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby
Pool C
Pool C sees hosts USA together with rivals Canada, Spain and Great Britain.
- Canada
- USA
- Spain
- GB
LA SVNS – Rugby Festival 2024 – Friday Night Lights
As part of the promotions for the weekend of the LA SVNS, fans can also buy bundles to see the newly formed Rugby Football Club Los Angeles play Dallas Jackels as the MLR season 2024 gets underway on March 3rd and then watch the LA SVNS 2024.
Sevens Rugby News
- Argentina Men and NZ Women Reign Supreme At Vancouver SVNS 2024.
- Melrose Shield Competition Confirmed For 2024 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
- HSBC SVNS Singapore 2024.
- Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 Week – Ultimate Fan Guide.
- Monaco To Host World Rugby Sevens Repechage – Paris 2024 Olympics.
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