The Cape Town 7s 2024 is here, and rugby fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. This event, part of the HSBC SVNS series, promises two action-packed days on December 7-8, showcasing the best in men’s and women’s rugby sevens.
Following a thrilling opening round in Dubai, where Australia and Fiji triumphed in the women’s and men’s categories respectively, Cape Town is ready to take the excitement up a notch.
From a new competition format to fierce pools and iconic matchups, here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated rugby event.
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What Makes Cape Town 7s Special?
Cape Town isn’t just another stop on the HSBC SVNS calendar; it’s a celebration of rugby, culture, and passion. The event will take place at the DHL Stadium, offering fans the opportunity to see Olympic heroes and rising stars in action.
For the South African crowd, the event holds even greater significance, as they cheer for their beloved Blitzboks, fresh off their Olympic bronze medal win in Paris.
The breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain and the electric atmosphere created by South African fans make the Cape Town 7s one of the most unique and vibrant stops on the tour.
New Competition Format: What’s Changed?
One of the most significant updates for the Cape Town 7s 2024 is the introduction of a new competition format. Designed with player welfare in mind, the format ensures teams get adequate recovery time while maintaining high-stakes competition.
Here’s how it works:
- Four Pools of Three Teams: Each pool winner advances directly to the semi-finals.
- Second Place Playoffs: Teams finishing second in their pools will compete for 5th-8th positions.
- Third Place Playoffs: Teams at the bottom of their pools will battle for 9th-12th spots.
This streamlined two-day format adds urgency to every match, ensuring that every kick, pass, and tackle counts from the get-go. It also offers teams more time to recover between back-to-back events, as Cape Town follows immediately after the Dubai 7s.
Cape Town! Who’s ready? @CapeTown7s coming at you this weekend #HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSCPT pic.twitter.com/YNqYY81DLu
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) December 4, 2024
Pool Allocations for Cape Town 7s
The pools for Cape Town were decided based on standings from the Dubai tournament. Here’s a breakdown of the matchups:
Men’s Pools
- Pool A: Fiji, Great Britain, Uruguay
- Pool B: Spain, Australia, Kenya
- Pool C: Argentina, South Africa, Ireland
- Pool D: New Zealand, France, USA
Women’s Pools
- Pool A: Australia, Canada, Brazil
- Pool B: New Zealand, Japan, China
- Pool C: France, Ireland, Spain
- Pool D: Great Britain, USA, Fiji
Players to Watch and Teams to Follow
This year’s Cape Town 7s brings together a mix of seasoned stars and fresh faces. 91 players made their SVNS debuts in Dubai, proving there’s no shortage of talent in this global sport.
Top Contenders
- Fiji Men: Fresh off a win in Dubai, Fiji is the team to beat. Their unique combination of speed, agility, and flair makes them a perennial fan favorite.
- Australia Women: After clinching gold in Dubai, they’re determined to maintain their winning streak. Captain Isabella Nasser has expressed confidence in her team’s ability to perform under pressure.
- Blitzboks (South Africa): Playing on home turf, the Blitzboks will be driven by the passionate Cape Town crowd. Co-captain Zain Davids emphasized how special it is to compete in front of family and friends in such an iconic setting.
Underdogs to Watch
- Spain Men: After an impressive run to their first-ever SVNS final in Dubai, Spain will look to prove they belong among the sport’s elite.
- Kenya Men: Recently promoted, Kenya’s high-energy style of play makes them a team capable of pulling off surprises.
Key Dates and Timings
The Cape Town 7s kicks off at 09:00 local time (EAT+1) on both Saturday and Sunday. Fans can expect a full day of pool matches on Saturday, leading to Sunday’s semi-finals (13:12) and the grand finals:
- Women’s Gold Medal Match: 18:35
- Men’s Gold Medal Match: 19:11
A Global Celebration of Rugby
The HSBC SVNS series is more than just a rugby tournament—it’s a festival. Cape Town 7s will feature music, culture, and cuisine, creating a carnival atmosphere that complements the on-field action. Whether you’re a hardcore rugby fan or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone.
This year also highlights World Rugby’s commitment to gender equality, with men’s and women’s teams receiving equal participation fees and competing on the same platform. Additionally, the 2025 SVNS will see an all-female panel of match officials for the women’s events—a historic first.
