This isn't a coronation yet but it's still a big weekend for the USA Men's Sevens Team as the Eagles enter London.

At stake? Maintaining 1st place in the World Series standings, a spot they've held since the conclusion of the Round 2 in Cape Town, is a big deal in what has been the USA's best season ever.

But while technically a lesser goal—clinching top four—automatic qualification for the Olympics could have larger ramifications. Early qualification means the Eagles can send a development side to the Pan-Am Games if they want, and would likely make the US Olympic Committee sit up and take notice.

“We’re not really looking at it as pressure but more as an opportunity, and an opportunity that we have earned over the course of the season through consistent results and through performing well," said USA captain Madison Hughes on potentially winning the Series. “Now here we are in London with two tournaments to go. Before this season I think you would have said it was a dream so we’re just going to do everything we can to perform in each game and do the best that we can this weekend.”

Big Guns Return

The Eagles have dipped a little in form since winning in Las Vegas, taking 4th, 3rd, and 4th in the last three events. But, they bring back Danny Barrett and Perry Baker, and when you add in Ben Pinkelman (having his best season), Stephen Tomasin (having his best season), Madison Hughes, Folau Niua, Carlin Isles (leading the World Series in tries), and Martin Iosefo (also back from injury), you have a formidable front line.

Behind that, Matai Leuta, Kevon Williams, Brett Thompson, and Marcus Tupuola bring power, pace, and the ability to step in and make an impact at any time. 

Chasing the USA is Fiji, just three points behind the Eagles in the World Series standings. Don't expect the chase to be settled this week. But the Olympics? As Hughes said in the video interview above, the USA only has to do "OK" to clinch. England will have to drastically outperform the Americans to prevent Olympic clinching this time around. 

Even in London, that's highly unlikely.