Energy and intensity levels were high at Black Ferns Sevens training ahead of the Kitakyushu Sevens.
Rejuvenated and re-focused, the Black Ferns Sevens are eager to re-claim the world crown.
The women's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series resumes with the fourth leg in Kitakyushu on April 20, nine weeks since the Black Ferns won the Sydney tournament. The awkward period between tournaments has been a balancing act for team management but assistant coach Cory Sweeney believes they have negotiated it well.
Sweeney will coach the side for the Japan leg as coach Allan Bunting takes leave for health reasons.
Training on a blustery Mount Maunganui day at Blake Park today,the squad was put through their paces and there was an intensity befitting a looming competition. Sweeney says it is important the players had balance during the nine weeks.
"We have to be mindful that nine weeks is a long time to be intensely focused. You need to have the ability to come back down. We had a couple of good learning weeks and then two weeks out from the tournament the performance focus takes over. We have so much experience in the team so that it kicks in pretty quick."
The Black Ferns did play in a tournament in Pukekohe last month, which included China and Thailand international sides, a Japanese club team and the Black Ferns Sevens development team. Sweeney says it was a valuable experience.
"We did have a real focus around rejuvenation. We needed to make sure we got away, connected with family, connected with each other and had time to ourselves. We also needed a tournament in between."
Tyla Nathan-Wong and Kelly Brazier during a training session at Blake Park ahead of their fourth round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Kitakyushu, Japan. Photo / George Novak
Injury and illness means Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Gayle Broughton, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Huia Harding, Kat Whata-Simpkins and Portia Woodman are all unavailable for selection but Sweeney says the squad named shows they have the depth.
"We have a good development programme and we have been able to access a couple of players who are now fully contracted. We are really happy with our squad, we definitely have injuries, but we have good leadership and good young players coming through."
Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini says the time with family is important.
"We still train as hard as we do in camp, but to be able to be home and it is great to be present as we are travelling all the time. It was really important to see all my family and spend quality time with them.
"Our management are awesome, they don't let anything get stale. The last couple of weeks have been all about performance, it has been getting the minutes and getting some contact in and being able to get those combinations ready."
The Black Ferns lead the series, having won all three tournaments so far. They will be looking to replicate their run home last season where they won the final three events, but finished just two points behind champions Australia. Finishing in the top four this season will also earn qualification for next year's Olympic Games.
Black Ferns Sevens training ahead of the fourth leg of the World Series this week. Photo / George Novak
"Each tournament we have little goals. This year is about qualifying for Olympics and getting that world series back, that is a big motivator."
Hirini says she is impressed by what she has seen from the young talent that has come into the squad.
"The first time they came into our environment I was happy and excited about what they brought in. As a player who has been around for a little while it gets you excited and the way they are expressing themselves out on the field is amazing. I can't wait for the rest of the world to see what they have been doing over the last few months."
Black Ferns Sevens team for Kitakyushu leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Shakira Baker Dhys Faleafaga Rhiarna Ferris Sarah Hirini (captain) Tyla Nathan-Wong Risi Pouri-Lane Chey Robins-Reti Alena Saili Terina Te Tamaki Ruby Tui Stacey Waaka Niall Williams Tenika Willison
New Zealand's Kitakyushu Sevens day one schedule: New Zealand vs Japan: Saturday, April 20, 3.20pm (NZT). New Zealand vs Russia: Saturday, April 20, 5.42pm (NZT). New Zealand vs France: Saturday, April 20, 8.26pm (NZT).
