So who is going to win? Right now based on the rosters (we have all 12 rosters here) Seattle, San Diego, and San Francisco have to be considered favorites with teams like Denver and Boston being dark horses. The trio of West Coast squads bring a number of current, up and coming, and former Eagles that may even give the Eagles a run for their money on a good day. However, the format of this tournament could make things very interesting and the team that wins will likely have to be perfect throughout the weekend.
In case you haven't seen the format you can check it out here. It begins with teams paired up and then splits off based on wins and losses. Let's check out who's doing what in the first round.
In case you haven't seen the format you can check it out here. It begins with teams paired up and then splits off based on wins and losses. Let's check out who's doing what in the first round.
Seattle vs. Salt Lake: The Seattle squad boasts the likes of Kevin Swiryn, Peter Tiberio, Mike Palefau, John Cullen, and Rocco Mauer, just to name a few. They are a powerhouse side that is probably the favorite to win the whole tournament. In the first round they will match up against a youthful Salt Lake squad that mixes players from Utah, BYU, and even high school. While it's cool to see different people in Utah come together the squad will likely struggle in the first round.
Philadelphia vs. Boston: Of the first round matches this one is a little harder to call. Boston is the Northeast ODA squad except for some of their top players. Since they have already qualified for the World Club 7s as NYC they will get a chance to place a second team if they win. One thing going for them at this tournament is that the bulk of their squad has been training and playing together for over a year. That type of understanding of one another is critical in the early rounds. Philadelphia boasts many strong names of their own, including Greg Ambrogi and Glenn Thommes. We'll probably give the edge to Boston in this one but it wouldn't surprise us if Philadelphia won.
Denver vs. Dallas: This could be another close match. Denver have the likes of Logan Collins, Ata Malifa, Ben Pinkelman, Max De Achaval, Brett Willis, and Preston Bryant on the squad. If they can come together and play well Denver may be the surprise team at the end of the tournament. Dallas have a few names of their own, like Dylan Carrion, but overall are probably a step behind Denver.
Chicago vs. Columbus: This is the last of the toss-up matches. The Columbus team has been training together at the Tiger Academy which could be a big factor. Many of the players have gone on Tiger tours in the past and know how to play with one another. Chicago is a bit of a wild card. One player to watch out for his Brad Harrington.
San Francisco vs. Houston: Colin Hawley, Mose Timoteo, Garrett Brewer, Joe Reavy, and Peter Moala are just a few of the strong names on the San Francisco roster. Although these players come from different clubs many of them have played together in the past. They SFGG guys on the team also have the experience of playing in the World Club 7s last year and will be extra motivated. Houston have several strong players on their team with experience, including NOLA's Chance Doyle but they will likely come up short against a strong SF side.
San Diego vs. DC: As expected the San Diego side includes a number of players from the OTC and the WCAP program. Eric Duechele, Marcus Savatu, Will Holder, Mike Teo, and Mike Ziegler are some of the standout names. This side is very familiar with one another and you can expect them to come out sharp. DC are relying mostly on players from the DC area and the Carolinas. Trevor Tanifum is the big name among that group.
Assuming that favorites Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and dark horses Denver and Boston, all win their first round matches the next stage looks like this:
Seattle vs. Boston
Denver vs. Chicago or Columbus
San Francisco vs. San Diego
Those are killer match-ups because the loser of the Seattle/Boston and San Francisco/San Diego matches will have to play an extra match on day two. The top four teams get a bye in the first round on day two. The team with the best point differential among the three losers in the second round will qualify as the fourth team. In the heat and humidity that could mean that one of San Francisco and San Diego could face a major disadvantage on day two.
Also, it will be important that top teams strive for the best point differential. For example, if Denver finishes with the best point differential, which is entirely possible, then Seattle and San Francisco/San Diego could meet in the semi-finals barring a major upset. All in all it should be an intriguing day of rugby. We will be there to cover the action so make sure you stay tuned.