Sevens World Series set for enthralling finale in London

Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand will battle it out to be crowned Sevens World Series champions at Twickenham this weekend.

The final squads of 12 have been announced for the ninth and final round of the 2014-15 HSBC Sevens World Series in London. 

At the top an unchanged Fiji will battle it out with South Africa and New Zealand for the overall series title at Twickenham. 

The Blitzboks make one change with Justin Geduld replacing the injured Cecil Afrika, a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year winner, while Sir Gordon Tietjens makes three changes, also losing a former winner of the coveted award to injury in Tim Mikkelson.

Following their victory at the Glasgow Sevens last weekend, Fiji head into the Marriott London Sevens in first place with Ben Ryan's side aiming to win their first Series title since 2006. 

Not since 2010 has a side other than New Zealand lifted the coveted trophy, but with Fiji on 147 points and South Africa on 142, the four-time defending champions will have their work cut out to win a 13th World Series title as they sit third on 139.

Live HSBC Sevens World Series

South Africa captain Kyle Brown said: "It is a dream of every player on the circuit to win a series title, and when you come within touching distance, it is a great place and a phenomenal feeling to have been on top for so long. It is disappointing to drop from top spot, but that is not something that will define us." 

Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau added: "It would be really special to win the World Series title, most of the boys think back to the likes of Waisale Serevi 10 years ago, and we will be happy to be counted as some of the players that have lifted the series alongside some of the legends." 

All three sides have cemented their place for rugby sevens' debut in the Olympic Games next year, with just one spot remaining to add an extra edge to the series finale.

England currently occupy the all-important fourth spot on the World Series ladder, 16 points ahead of Australia following a strong finish to the campaign with a win in Tokyo and third place in Glasgow. 

England skipper Tom Mitchell is hoping that home support will give help put them well on the road to Rio 2016.

“Olympic qualification is something we’ve been aware of from the start,” said Mitchell on the RFU website.

“When I look forward to the Marriott London Sevens, there’s nothing quite like it in the series for us. It’s a home crowd, so it’s not only our friends and family, but thousands and thousands of supporters screaming for us.

“That’s huge because we’re really proud to represent England and to do that at Twickenham is an unbelievable experience.

“Being the representative team is a huge honour for us. We’ve carried that with us all season with a great sense of pride and excitement, but it’s not something we’ve focused on on a day-to-day basis and certainly not during the tournament times."

Watch the London Sevens, Saturday, Sky Sports 5 HD (08:30), Sky Sports 5 - Red Button (13:00), Sky Sports 5 HD (15:00) and on Sunday  Sky Sports 3 HD (09:00)