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Series set for enthralling finale in London

15/05/2015
 
MEDIA RELEASE
 
Series set for enthralling finale in London
 
15 May 2015
 
 
Seabelo Senatla leads the try-scoring charts with 43 from eight rounds - Photo: World Rugby/Martin Seras Lima
 
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- Final squads of 12 named for all 16 teams
- Fiji, SA and NZ to compete for 16th title
- Record crowd expected at Twickenham
- News access footage available from finale



The final squads of 12 have been announced for the ninth and final round of the 2014-15 HSBC Sevens World Series in London. 

At the top an unchanged Fiji will battle it out with South Africa and New Zealand for the overall series title at Twickenham. 

The Blitzboks make one change with Justin Geduld replacing the injured Cecil Afrika, a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year winner, while Sir Gordon Tietjens makes three changes, also losing a former winner of the coveted award to injury in Tim Mikkelson. 


- VIEW THE 16 FINAL SQUADS >> 
Following their victory at the Glasgow Sevens last weekend, Fiji head into the Marriott London Sevens in first place with Ben Ryan's side aiming to win their first Series title since 2006. 

Not since 2010 has a side other than New Zealand lifted the coveted trophy, but with Fiji on 147 points, and South Africa on 142, the four-time defending champions will have their work cut out to win a 13th World Series title as they sit third on 139. 


- SERIES STANDINGS (AFTER EIGHT ROUNDS) >> 
South Africa captain Kyle Brown said: "It is a dream of every player on the circuit to win a series title, and when you come within touching distance, it is a great place and a phenomenal feeling to have been on top for so long. It is disappointing to drop from top spot, but that is not something that will define us." 

Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau added: "It would be really special to win the World Series title, most of the boys think back to the likes of Waisale Serevi 10 years ago, and we will be happy to be counted as some of the players that have lifted the series alongside some of the legends." 

All three sides have cemented their place for rugby sevens' debut in the Olympic Games next year, with just one spot remaining to add an extra edge to the series finale. 

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship & Events for HSBC Holdings said: “The HSBC Sevens World Series has continued to go from strength to strength and it’s extremely exciting that three teams are still in contention going into the final round. With the added significance that one remaining team can join Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand by achieving automatic Olympic qualification through finishing in the Series top four, it’s sure to be a fascinating weekend of Sevens.” 

While the series is again being streamed live online at 
worldrugby.org (certain geo-blocking applies), fans can also watch highlights on World Rugby's YouTube channel, or on worldrugby.org. Day one has already sold-out with 75,000 set to head to Twickenham, but tickets are still available for day two. 

GLOBAL BROADCAST & STREAMING VIEWING GUIDE >>


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