A busy start to the year for rugby sevens continues, with the HSBC World Sevens Series stopping off in Vancouver, Canada, this weekend. After a season that began with five different winners in the first five events, New Zealand have finally begun to break away from the pack by making the last four finals and winning the last two events. Can they maintain their momentum, or will another side spoil their party?
2023 HSBC World Sevens Series Vancouver: Event Details
Argentina are defending champions in Vancouver and will be eager to go one step further than their runner-up finish last week in Los Angeles. The Pumas will have a tough time going back to back this year, however, with New Zealand looking predictably strong and Fiji also hungry for their first title of the season. We look at all the Canada 2023 rugby sevens odds and break down the best bets to make this weekend.
| Event: |
2023 HSBC World Sevens Series in Canada (Vancouver) |
| Format: |
16 teams compete in four pools, followed by knockout games |
| Venue: |
BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Date: |
Friday, 3 March to Sunday, 5 March 2023 |
Canada 2023 Rugby Sevens Odds
Canada betting apps are offering some excellent odds ahead of the first match in Vancouver on Friday. Here’s a look at the top five favorites to win in the latest betting odds for rugby 7s Vancouver 2023:
- New Zealand to win @ 2.75 (7/4)
- Fiji to win @ 3.50 (5/2)
- South Africa to win @ 7.50 (13/2)
- Argentina to win @ 7.50 (13/2)
- Australia to win @ 8.50 (15/2)
It’s no surprise that New Zealand are clear favorites to win here. With odds of 2.75 (7/4), the Kiwis are ahead of the pack, with only Fiji in touching distance at 3.50 (5/2). From here, the rest of the betting favorites have significantly longer odds, with South Africa and Argentina tied for third favorite on 7.50 (13/2) and Australia rounding out the top five on 8.50 (15/2).
Understanding the Canada Rugby Sevens 2023
The Canada Sevens is one of the more recent additions to the HSBC World Sevens Series, with the event first being played in 2016. Since then, five different teams have won the event. South Africa have been the most comfortable here, winning on three separate occasions – including twice in 2021, courtesy of Covid-19 disruptions to the calendar.
Here’s a look at the past five results:
- 2019 – South Africa beat France
- 2020 – New Zealand beat Australia
- 2021 (2) – South Africa beat Kenya
- 2021 (2) – South Africa beat Great Britain
- 2022 – Argentina beat Fiji
Can Argentina defend their title with a strong performance this weekend? Or can South Africa claim their second title of the year in a tournament where they’ve traditionally performed well? Read on for our 2023 rugby 7s Vancouver betting tips from the top rugby sportsbook.
Rugby 7s Canada 2023 Predictions
We’ve analyzed the statistics, crunched the numbers, and consulted the rugby gods – and here are our top expert picks for this weekend’s action in Vancouver:
New Zealand to Win Outright @ 2.75 (7/4)
This may not be the most lucrative bet, but there’s a reason why New Zealand’s odds of winning the Vancouver Sevens are so low. Put simply – the Kiwis are in hot form. After a few years of going off the boil, the side which has won the World Sevens Series a record 12 times is starting to look like they’re back.
Over the past four events, New Zealand has been in the mix every single time. They finished runner-up in Cape Town and Hamilton – narrowly pipped by Argentina on full-time – before most recently winning Sydney and Los Angeles. Right now, they are on 107 points in the HSBC World Sevens Series, with the next closest team on 86. They’re the safe bet to win the Vancouver Sevens for a good reason and are a smart bet here at 2.75 (7/4).
Fiji to Win Outright @ 3.50 (5/2)
Not since 2017 has Fiji gone so far into a season without winning a title. And yet, after six events in the 2023 HSBC World Sevens Series so far, Fiji are yet to get their hands on a trophy. While this may in part be to the Fijian team rebuilding after a tough patch for the game as a whole during Covid-19, the reality is this Fijian side are just a ticking time bomb. They will eventually win a tournament in 2023.
Last week, Fiji came within inches of beating Argentina to make the final in Los Angeles, losing 20-17 in the semifinals. This week, they’ll be eager to win an event they previously tasted victory in 2018. Add to this the fact that they made the final here last year, and the Fijians will be highly motivated to go all the way in Vancouver this time.
South Africa to Win Pool B @ 2.20 (6/5)
Another side that will be hungry for a win this weekend and see a splash in betting activity will be South Africa. Currently sitting at third in the HSBC World Sevens Series, it’s been a few weeks now since South Africa last raised a trophy. Last year, they triumphed in the season’s second event, beating Ireland to win the title in Dubai.
Just weeks ago in Australia, South Africa showed great form to make the final in Sydney. Here, they just happen to be the team that has won the Canada Sevens most often, winning three times and playing in all but two finals. South Africa are a great bet to play with confidence and top their pool, upsetting an Argentinian side that has traditionally struggled to back up strong performances the next week.
Best Rugby 7s Canada Predictions for 2023
- New Zealand to Win Outright @ 2.75 (7/4)
- South Africa to Win Pool B @ 2.20 (6/5)
Rugby sevens fans will descend on Vancouver this weekend for three days of action, with the Canada Sevens 2023 taking place. In a competitive HSBC World Sevens Series this year, New Zealand appear to be finally breaking away from the rest of the pack – and we say they’ll solidify themselves as favorites for their 13th title this season by winning here in Vancouver. Tune in on Friday to find out, and make sure to follow our rugby 7s predictions and get all your bets in before then.
