Predicting the thrills and spills: Dubai stop of the 2024 Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series

Specifically, there’s a lot of excitement around the Dubai leg of the series due to its reputation for high-energy matches and enthusiastic crowds of sports fans.

The Dubai stop is a key battleground for teams vying for the ultimate prize: a place in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

As the host country, France has automatically secured its spot. Other qualifying teams include New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, Australia, Uruguay, Ireland, the United States, Kenya, and Samoa.

These teams qualified through various tournaments, including the 2022–23 World Rugby Sevens Series and regional qualification tournaments.

With that, casino experts and sports enthusiasts from AuCasinosList have come up with this article to forecast the tournament's key moments and standout teams. We’ll provide insights into team form, player performances, and historical trends.

AuCasinosList experts on who to bet on

We won’t beat around the bush. We want to provide you with quick insights on which teams will likely win within each pool based on performance history and team strategy.

However, we advise you to take these recommendations with a grain of salt. The outcome of any sport is unpredictable, which adds to the game's excitement.

Men’s Competition: Pool A winner prediction

Winner: Uruguay

Although Georgia can be a strong contender in these pool matches due to their physical style of play, we believe that Uruguay will emerge as the victor.

Their strategic gameplay and experience in international matches give them a competitive edge against other teams in this pool. Nicknamed Teros, Uruguay won the 2022 Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Chile, granting them “core team” status for the 2022–23 World Rugby Sevens Series.

Men’s Competition: Pool B winner prediction

Winner: Japan

Japan might be a strong contender due to their consistent performance and technical skills. This is also the team’s seventh appearance in the Rugby World Cup Sevens, where they placed 13th three times.

Men’s Competition: Pool C winner prediction

Winner: Kenya

We think Kenya is the frontrunner in this pool due to their history of strong performances in international sevens rugby (appearing five times in the World Cup Sevens and placing 3rd in the 2009 tournament).

They also have a reputation for speed and agility, which are key assets in sevens rugby.

Women’s Series: Pool A winner prediction

Winner: Thailand

Although both Belgium and Thailand stand out in this pool, we believe Thailand has the slight upper hand. Thailand's agility and quick play style make them a strong contender.

Additionally, Thailand has more experience playing in international games.

Women’s Series: Pool B winner prediction

Winner: Kenya

Athleticism and experience. These factors give Kenya a competitive advantage against other teams in this pool. They’ve placed second in the 2023 Ruby Africa Women’s Sevens and championed the 2018 tournament.

Women’s Series: Pool C winner prediction

Winner: Argentina

With its rich rugby heritage, Argentina may have a competitive advantage in these pool matches. Their experience and tactical understanding of the game often make them formidable opponents.

 

Men's competition analysis

Teams will compete to be among the top four, securing their spot for Paris 2024. This is based on the total accrued points throughout the eleven-tournament series.

Pool A breakdown and analysis

Overall, audiences should expect a mix of tactical games and potential upsets, with each match critical in determining who advances from this competitive pool.

Uruguay

The Uruguay team has been making significant strides in international rugby sevens.

They often display a balanced approach focusing on offence and defence.

They could leverage their experience to become the frontrunner in the series.

Hong Kong China

Hong Kong, China is recognized for their disciplined structure and skilful execution on the field, particularly when it comes to set plays.

They have a history of strong performances in regional tournaments, so they could be seen as frontrunners alongside Uruguay.

Papua New Guinea

A newcomer in the rugby sevens, Papua New Guinea brings a unique flair to the game.

With their unpredictable style, speed, and agility, they could be the dark horse that potentially upsets more established teams.
 
Georgia

Georgia's rugby team is characterized by their physical strength and robust playing style.

This could challenge other teams regarding defence, particularly in scrums and tackles.

Pool B breakdown and analysis

This pool presents a blend of styles and potential for closely contested matches, where tactical acumen and physical prowess will be key to advancing.

Japan

Japan is known for their technical finesse and disciplined approach, often seen as a dominant force in Asian rugby.

That said, they’re seen as the favourite due to their advanced rugby infrastructure and history of strong performances.

Tonga

Tonga brings a physical, hard-hitting style to the field, reflective of their strong rugby league heritage.

They could challenge teams with their brute strength.

Chile

Chile, an emerging rugby nation in South America, is known for their passionate play and growing skill set.

Out of all the teams in this pool, they could be seen as the dark horse that upsets other teams.

Portugal

Portugal, with a rich rugby history, displays tactical awareness and technical skills.

A competitive European side, this team could prove to be a formidable opponent.

Pool C breakdown and analysis

The outcome of this pool is likely to hinge on the adaptability and execution of game plans by each team in the face of diverse playing styles.

Kenya

With their speed and agility, Kenya is often dominating the African rugby scene. They showcase an aggressive playing style.

We predict they might be favoured due to their consistently high performance and experience in international rugby sevens.

Germany

Representing Europe in this pool, Germany typically employs a structured, tactical approach, focusing on discipline.

They could leverage their structured play and tactical discipline to challenge opponents.

Uganda

This is another strong team from Africa known for its athleticism and dynamic style of play, often surprising opponents with their agility.

They could be strong contenders in these pool matches.

Mexico

Representing North America, Mexico is an emerging team in this series, likely focusing on developing fundamental skills to enhance its competitive edge. Their enthusiasm and growing skill set could surprise fans and enthusiasts.

 

Women's competition analysis

Similar to the men's series, teams in the women’s competition of the Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series compete for the championship title by accruing points based on their performance and rankings in each tournament.

With every generation’s growing interest in football, rugby, and other sports, it’s worth looking into this analysis before watching the games.

Pool A examination and analysis

Each of these teams brings a unique style and strength, promising an exciting series of matches.

Belgium

With its nickname “Belsevens” and their captain, Margaux Lalli, Belgium is recognized for their growing presence in European rugby.

Had they won in the 2016 Grand Prix Series, they would have been one of the “core teams” for the 2017–2018 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.

The team brings a mix of technical skills and team cohesion, which is why we see them as a strong contender in these pool matches.

Thailand

With Supparut Allapach as their coach, the Thailand team is known for agility and quick plays.

The team competes heavily in Asia and other sevens tournaments. They participated in the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens, their only appearance so far, and placed 13th.

In this series, Thailand is expected to display quick and strategic gameplay.

Papua New Guinea

Founded in 2007, Papua New Guinea regularly participates in the Pacific Games and Oceania Women’s Sevens Championship.

Led by their coach, Cecil Davani, and captain, Alice Alois, this team displays a blend of raw talent and physicality, making them a formidable opponent in this pool and series.

Uganda

Uganda, nicknamed Lady Cranes, had one appearance in the World Cup Sevens in 2009.

They made it to the Bowl quarterfinals and placed 13th. Led by their coach and former player, Helen Buteme, Uganda is noted for their speed and endurance on the field. This might be their advantage to outpace competitors.

Pool B examination and analysis

Due to the diverse range of playing styles in the teams of this pool, we could anticipate a dynamic and unpredictable set of matches.

China

With Hong Jun Zheng as their coach, China has made three appearances in the World Cup Sevens, with the best result being in 2009 when they placed 9th.

They also played in the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens, where they took the 13th ranking. 

China’s disciplined and strategic approach has made it a strong Asian competitor. This approach may also make them a strong force in the pool.

Czechia

Czechia played their first international game in 2004. They also reached their highest ranking (31st from 44th) at the 2022–2023 Ruby Europe Women’s Trophy after they defeated Belgium with a score of 29–21.

Czechia brings a mix of resilience and growing technical ability. They could be a strong contender in these matches.

Mexico

Nicknamed Serpientes, Mexico is an emerging team in women’s rugby. They had quite a successful year in 2019 when they beat Jamaica during the finals at the RAN Women’s Sevens tournament.

This win secured them a spot in the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament in the 2020 Women’s Rugby Sevens.

Led by their coach, Robin MacDowell, Mexico is known for their enthusiastic and developing play style, which could upset other teams in these pool matches.

Kenya

Nicknamed Lionesses, Kenya plays in numerous tournaments, such as the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens and Dubai Invitational Sevens.

They've also made several appearances in the Rugby Africa Women's Sevens, placing 2nd in 2023 and championing the 2018 series.

Led by their coach, Dennis Mwanja, and captain, Grace Okulu, Kenya’s track record of speed and athleticism makes them a top contender.

Pool C examination and analysis

The pool is expected to exhibit a range of styles and strategies, potentially leading to closely contested matches.

Poland

After winning the silver medal at the 2023 European Games, Poland qualified for the final play-off tournament in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Led by captain, Karolina Jaszczyszyn, and coach, Janusz Urbanowicz, Poland brings European rugby experience to these pool matches.

With their focus on technical skills and team strategy, they might showcase a competitive edge.

Hong Kong China

In 2021, Hong Kong's rugby team was unable to participate in the Rugby World Cup qualifier due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The following year, their fortunes improved significantly after they secured two victories against Kazakhstan.

This successful performance propelled them up the world rankings, climbing from 18th to 15th place.

Led by their head coach, Royce Chan, Hong Kong is known for its discipline and consistency, making them a strong force in Asia and a formidable opponent in these pool matches.

Paraguay

The Paraguay women’s rugby seven team is regulated by the Paraguayan Rugby Union.

Their latest standings include 5th place in the Rugby sevens at the 2023 Pan American Games, 1st place in the Rugby sevens at the 2022 Bolivarian Games, and 2nd place in the 2022 South American Games.

Emerging in the South American rugby scene, Paraguay brings a passionate and evolving playing style that could surprise fans in these pool matches.

Argentina

Next to Brazil, this team has been the most successful in South America. They participated in the 2019 Sudamérica Olympic Qualifying Tournament and finished in 3rd place. This secured them a spot for the Repechage tournament in Monaco.

Led by their coach, Miguel Seró, Argentina has a rich history in rugby.

They are expected to display a blend of tactical awareness and physicality, making them a frontrunner in this pool of the 2024 Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series.

Final word

This analysis of the 2024 Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series has highlighted the diverse strengths and strategies of the teams across the pools.

The predictions suggest a highly competitive tournament with potential for both expected and surprising outcomes.

With Australian casino games having a high appeal to sports fiends, this series is a must-watch for rugby enthusiasts and online gamblers alike.

This series offers a unique blend of emerging talents and seasoned strategies.