This weekend, rugby sevens fans will descend on Vancouver, Canada for three days of festivities and action-packed entertainment. Headlining that entertainment will be New Zealand, who seek to extend their lead in the HSBC World Sevens Series with another win in the Vancouver Sevens 2023.
After an unusual start to the sevens season that saw five different teams win the first five events, New Zealand has finally begun to assert themselves. The nation that has won the World Sevens Series 12 times is beginning to look like just that with back to back titles in Sydney and Los Angeles. Can they make it three in a row in Vancouver? Bookmaker bet365 has all the odds ahead of Friday’s kick off as we break down the best bets to make on the Vancouver Sevens 2023.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 2nd, 12:00 P.M. (GMT)
There are two clear favourites when it comes to betting on the Canada Sevens this year. New Zealand is ahead at 2.75 with Fiji right behind them at 3.50. Then a big gap exists between these two and the rest of the pack with the next closest of teams on more than double the odds. Argentina and South Africa both pay 7.50, while Australia round out the top five favourites at 8.50 for the win.
It’s hard to see past a New Zealand win here yet again. They have made the final of the past four tournaments, winning the last two. Regardless of what their opposition throw at them, they’ve handled it with ease these past six weeks and you have to feel like New Zealand know they have their foot on the throat of the chasing pack. Win here in Vancouver and they’ll start to feel like they have one hand on the World Sevens Series trophy in 2023 already.
Perhaps the most likely side to upset New Zealand is Fiji. It’s been more than half a decade since Fiji went the first six events of the year without winning a title, and yet that’s exactly where they find themselves heading into Vancouver. Still placed No. 4 in the standings, Fiji feels like a ticking time bomb just waiting to win their first tournament this year. Having come close in the final last year, this could well be the time for Fiji to make a break through in 2023.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 2nd, 12:00 P.M. (GMT)
Those who can’t decide between Fiji and New Zealand may want to simply wager on pool winners instead. South Africa is looking good to top their pool with a win over Argentina in pool play likely required to deliver this result. Traditionally Argentina has struggled to back up their strong performances the next week, so after making the Los Angeles final last weekend, there’s a good chance they’ll be vulnerable. Back South Africa at 2.20 to top Pool B.
