Olympics men's rugby sevens predictions and rugby union tips

Free Olympic rugby tips, best bets and analysis for the men's sevens tournament at Tokyo 2020.

Where to watch

BBC, from 1am Monday

Best bets

New Zealand to win gold
1pt 13-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Men's rugby sevens preview

The nation came to a standstill and a holiday was declared when Fiji won their first Olympic medal, taking gold in the inaugural event in Rio five years ago.

The Pacific islanders are 2-1 to retain their crown from a group including Great Britain, Canada and hosts Japan.

Fans of Premiership rugby will recognise Bristol centre Semi Radradra making his return to the sevens scene after three years, bringing his turn of foot and offloading skills.

As with so many sports, the build-up to this event has seen major disruption and the most recent World Sevens series was cut short in March last year with the four remaining rounds cancelled.

Of the six completed rounds, Fiji were winners in Australia and South Africa claimed two victories, but New Zealand claimed three successes and were crowned champions, their first title since 2014.

The All Blacks Sevens are the reigning World Sevens, Commonwealth and World Cup champions and field a strong squad, although rising star Caleb Clarke was a surprise omission.

New Zealand are drawn in a group with Australia but have had the measure of their trans-Tasman rivals and should qualify with ease.

South Africa look the team to beat in Group C but are without coach Neil Powell, who is self-isolating, while among their stars of the 2016 tournament were Kwagga Smith and Chesline Kolb, both of whom are taking on the British & Irish Lions back at home.

It's a wide-open field but New Zealand look the value pick to strike gold.

Group A: New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, South Korea; Group B: Fiji, Great Britain, Canada, Japan; Group C: South Africa, USA, Kenya, Ireland.

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