The New Zealand Women's team had a 36-0 victory over Canada at the Atlanta Sevens. Photo/Thinkstock
The New Zealand Women's team had a 36-0 victory over Canada at the Atlanta Sevens. Photo/Thinkstock
Tauranga's dynamic coaching due of Sir Gordon Tietjens and Sean Horan are riding high on top of the sevens world.
The All Blacks Sevens under Tietjens are two points clear of second-placed South Africa with four rounds to go in the HSBC Sevens World Series, while Horan's New Zealand Women'steam is two points clear of Australia after two of the five legs played in the IRB Women's Sevens World Series.
Horan, who previously had a successful reign as coach of the Bay of Plenty Steamers, was extremely proud of his team after last weekend's 36-0 victory over Canada in the final at Atlanta.
"It was a performance that we'll remember for a long, long time," he said. "They trust our systems and understand that day two is the most important day. I think mentally they really stepped up. Their preparation before the games looking after their bodies, doing the little things and the real important things, was outstanding."
Horan has a group of mostly young, inexperienced players, which is a good sign for future success with the Rio Olympics looming ahead.
"It gives us a pat on the back to say the programme has worked. We have bought into that. This is a programme for longevity and it is just coming to fruition now.
"We are talking about 17 and 18 and 20-year-olds who can only get better. That is probably the scary thing that we have this natural ability but they work hell of a hard off the field just to perform like they did in the final."
There is no time to celebrate for Horan's team as the third leg of the series kicks off on Friday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
