With their place in the Grand Final in Madrid already assured, HSBC SVNS 2024 leaders Argentina will be going all out to secure the top spot in the standings by claiming their first Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title this weekend.
Fans with Hong Kong Sevens tickets have been rallying behind the Pumas, who've had a breakthrough season this year with their sevens team, ahead of the all-important Olympics around the corner.
With three of the world's top five teams and a Canadian outfit fighting for their lives at the bottom of the standings, Pool A should be fiercely competitive and a treat to watch for all fans with Hong Kong Sevens tickets.
Fiji takes on Australia in a third versus fifth encounter, kicking off at 17:30 local time, while Los Angeles winners France's game against Canada follows straight after.
Flying Fijians' history is interwoven with the Hong Kong Sevens, an event they have won a record 19 times.
But things have not run smoothly for the Fijians this season. They have yet to make a final.
New head coach Osea Kolinisau has chosen a squad laden with talent for his first tournament, including the addition of Olympic gold medallist Vatemo Ravouvou.
Manueli Maisamoa and Rubeni Kabu also return after missing the last three tournaments, while Joji Nasova is in line to make his debut.
"We've had rigorous training over the past two weeks to ensure the boys are primed for this crucial leg of the series," said Kolinisau.
The headlines emerging from Australia is that Wallabies fifteens legend Michael Hooper made his debut for Australia Sevens.
Hooper, one of the most experienced campaigners and former captain of the Wallabies, was left ignored for the Rugby World Cup 2023 by then-coach Eddie Jones.
This was devastating and shocking news for all the rugby fans who had seen the effort and dedication Hooper had always maintained.
But after a frustrating injury delay to his embryonic sevens career, the veteran of 125 tests finally gets a chance to stake a claim for a place in Australia's Olympic Games Paris 2024 squad.
His inclusion is one of two changes made by coach John Manenti. Maurice Longbottom also returned from a calf injury, another major boost for a side that only scored 11 points across the two North American legs.
"We're excited about heading back to Hong Kong, where we have had some recent success," Manenti said, maintaining an upbeat tone.
"Our performances in LA were some of our best this season, and we have the opportunity to improve again next week.
"We welcome back Maurice Longbottom, who will add some spark in the midfield. For the first time, we'll get to see Michael Hooper in an Australian Sevens jersey. Hoops' has worked hard to make his way into the squad, and we're all delighted to welcome the 'rookie' into the mix.
"Like any new player, it will be a learning experience for him and an important starting point for a potential Paris Olympics.
Every pool is tough, and ours is no exception, with Fiji first up and then Los Angeles winners France to kick off day one action. We'll need to be at our best."
Inspired by Antoine Dupont, France has taken 36 points from the last two tournaments and will look to back that up in Hong Kong, where they have never made the final.
Dupont's inclusion is strategic, as France is looking for a medal at the Olympics that they will host in the Summer.
With Dupont, France made history by winning their first-ever World Rugby Sevens title in Los Angeles in March and would want to take this momentum to the Olympic Games.
However, the little maestro, who has shown Hooper how to transition to sevens from 15s, is temporarily back with his club side Toulouse and won't play this weekend.
It is one of three changes to Les Bleus' squad for Hong Kong, with Dupont's absence offset by the return of record appearance holder Jonathan Laugel.
France's first opponents, Canada, have handed debuts to three players: Jack McCarthy, Jesse Kilgour, and Morgan Di Nardo. D'Shawn Bowen returns to international sevens competition for the first time since last January after spending 2023 with the Toronto Arrows.
Argentina can become the men's SVNS 2024 League Winners with a tournament to spare if they maintain their 20-point lead at the top of the standings.
But to do so, they need to perform better than they did in finishing fifth at the last tournament in Los Angeles at the start of March and, secondly, defy Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens history.
Los Pumas Sevens have never won in Hong Kong before, and the closest they have come to lifting the famous trophy was when they reached the final two decades ago, losing 24-12 to England. Pablo Gómez Cora, the older brother of current head coach Santiago Gómez Cora, played in that final.
Hoping to add to the tournament titles they have already won in Cape Town, Perth, and Vancouver and maintain that 20-point cushion over Ireland, Argentina has headed to Asia with a settled squad that shows just one change from Los Angeles.
Alfonso Latorre is back in the 13-man group for his third tournament appearance, replacing Santiago Alvarez.
In Marcos Moneta, Argentina boasts the top points and try scorer in the series, for now.
The country also boasts the most seasoned performer in centurion Garston Revol, who extends his record number of tournament appearances to 104 this weekend.
The fans who turn up for the SVNS with Hong Kong sevens tickets have always walked away with something special. They've seen several memorable finals involving Fiji, but this time around, the fans know that it will be different.
While focusing on Argentina, watch out for Ireland, who've made a massive leap to become a rising force. In an Olympic year, all of the teams are stepping up in a bid to win a medal.
