Winter had finished. The ground thawed, the pitch drained and my raggedy, nine studded boots (thanks cuz, shame the studs were three quarters missing!) thrummed on the hard pitch. The season of picking between your pitch on a hill and a pitch in the bog seemed to be drifting off, and so, the Coach put it to me: "You up for some 7s Tom?"
12 year old me: "Some what now?"
"It's like a faster version of rugby, but with fewer players."
"Yeah, whatever. What's the trick to it?"
"Tackle like the monster and run like he's chasing you!"
That was the first of many, happy memories playing quick rugby on warm summer days. And a few of them, pleasantly, included silverware! 7s always brings a smile to my face - note the ugly mug showing teeth, right (bonus points for spotting my Irish Lock Doppelganger). Other than the numbers, though, what differentiates 15s and 7s?
Speed. Sheer, lung-busting, ground-tearing, eye-watering speed. A trick filled skill set - on top of a steady tackle and accurate hands - is good, but nothing is more satisfying than burning your man! Watch a few minutes of the 7s in Japan this weekend, if you can, and you'll see the flash of pace followed by an equal flash of smile at least once! There's a good reason most props stick to cold pints, barbecues and sidelines during 7s season - don't worry lads, we live for your barbied burgers between games.
7s beats 15s in the popularity contest, internationally, hands down. It's simpler to play, simpler to follow, and in most nations is the main way rugby is seen. So much so, World Rugby are now using 7s as a channel for expanding the whole game. We think they're right, who doesn't love a festival?
The kit required isn’t costly either, either to start or make the switch. A pair of moulded boots - such as the Adidas Regulate Kakari FG - are ideal for sun-hardened pitches, and a gum shield is always recommended! Otherwise you’re good to go, but why not consider a flash jersey too? If you like to stand out from the crowd, a 7s Jersey would often do the trick; why not compare the New Zealand, Scotland or USA jersey to see for yourself.
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens series sees the most exciting players in Rugby. Catch them if you can as they head to Japan this weekend. 15s, I love you, but... I've met this other guy. He's flamboyant, exhilarating, fast paced, well traveled - and his burger beats your pie and beans hands down!
Disagree? Let's chat about it in the comments!
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