The SVNS Series stars to watch across a blockbuster weekend of rugby

The July international window is beginning to close with the final weekend of action in the Nations Championship, Nations Cup, and U20s World Championship – and with that, the final chance for sevens stars to show their stuff, at least for now.

Across all tournaments, stars from the shorter format have proven themselves more than capable of delivering at the highest level of XVs.

RugbyPass sits down to go through the sevens stars set for action this weekend, both internationally and at a domestic level.

U20s World Championship

Several key stars are set to make an impact in the final weekend of action at the U20s World Championship in Georgia, with a busy schedule set to play out across Kutaisi and Tbilisi.

Luan Giliomee is set to miss the final for the Junior Springboks against France, the fullback having a strong game against England before receiving a red card in the 64th minute, proving a disappointing end to what has been a huge tournament for the playmaker.

Bradley Tocker will likely retain his position at flanker for their final match for bronze when they take on England earlier that day, hoping to sending the New Zealand U20 side out on a high.

Lastly, Wallace Charlie has retained his starting position at fullback for Australia U20, who will look to finish their campaign in their seventh placed play-off against Argentina, the side having copped several injuries in their 38-36 loss to Wales.

World Rugby Nations Championship

Japan have recalled Kippei Ishida and Kazuma Ueda into the starting side to face France, the Paris Olympic duo set to give the Brave Blossoms speed out wide after featuring in their 27-10 win over Italy.

While Ishida was dropped for his side’s 36-20 loss to Ireland in Newcastle, his recall will be a welcome one for the Brave Blossoms, as they look to contend with a fellow sevens alumni on the other side of the pitch.

Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang has retained his starting spot on the wing for Les Bleus after impressing on debut against the Wallabies in Brisbane, scoring two tries as his side ran away with a 42-26 win.

World Rugby Nations Cup

Uruguay are set to be back at Estadio Charrua in Montevideo this weekend, with Joaquín Suárez, Juan Gonzalez and Ignacio Rodriguez Bosch likely set to feature in their clash against Hong Kong China.

Los Teros are still to pick up their maiden win in the Nations Cup after a 41-34 loss to Georgia and a 36-all draw with Romania, but the three sevens players have proven invaluable to the side so far in their campaign.

Jeremy Trevithick finally made his debut for Spain in their 32-19 win over Tonga. Whether he will get more game time is the big question, particularly as Los Leones look to finish on a high against the United States in Cary.

At the other end of the field, Lance Williams impressed last week in his side’s 31-15 victory over Zimbabwe, and is almost certain to feature as his side looks to go three for three and finish top of the table.

Super Rugby Women’s

Down in Australia, international sevens talent is set to feature in all four semifinal sides, with matches in Fiji and Perth.

The minor premiers, Fijian Drua, are set to feature Fiji 7s stars Kolora Lomani and Atelaite Buna in their starting side as they welcome the Queensland Reds to Lautoka, with a home grand final on the line.

The visitors will also feature Aussie 7s star Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, who is set to partner alongside Ava Wereta, who is no stranger to the shorter format of the game.

Aussie 7s stars are also back for the NSW Waratahs this weekend, with Tia Hinds back from injury and making her debut at scrumhalf for the sky blue jersey.

Top Wallaroo tryscorer Maya Stewart, who also made her debut in sevens earlier this year in Singapore is also back for the defending champions, as they take on the Western Force as part of a double header with the Wallabies-Italy test match.

For the Force, Fiji 7s star Adi Vani Buleki has retained her starting position, having stamped her name on the right wing across the entire season – which could prove effective should the Force win and make an historic maiden final.

Super Rugby Aupiki

Finally, Super Rugby Aupiki will play its final round of the regular season, with Matat? already confirmed for the big dance next week.

A big part of their success has come down to sevens stars Maia Davis and Alena Saili enjoying strong seasons at fullback and left wing, respectively, the duo retaining their starting position when they take on the Blues this weekend in Christchurch.

The women from Auckland will be desperate for a win, with Hurricanes Poua only one point behind them and able to leapfrog them should they beat Chiefs Manawa.

Jaymie Kolose and Braxton Sorensen-McGee have been named to start for the visitors, with fellow Black Ferns 7s star Katelynn Vahaakolo set to inject power off the bench.

Chiefs Manawa are out of the running for finals but will be chasing a maiden win, with Manaia Nuku starting at fullback and Justine McGregor starting in the centres as they look to disrupt Poua’s finals aspirations.

The hosts will have plenty of talent at their disposal, with Black Ferns 7s star Keelah Bolde coming off the bench in Upper Hutt.