Rugby: Sevens boss calls on squad to raise game

This Saturday's third and final Northland Rugby Sevens Tournament will serve as the backdrop for the naming of Northland's wider training squad before the national tournament in Queenstown.

Ahead of the tournament at the United Kawakawa Rugby Club, Northland coach Peter Nock is talking tough around what he expects from the players.

"They're getting better and better and we're looking at them to step up again. We're hoping their application has been better and their skills have lifted."

Nock said it was obvious in the first tournament the players had not realised how tough training for sevens was going to be but now they looked in better shape.

"Adriaan [Ferris] brought back some Northland players from Singapore where they were playing in a tournament over there so the quality of play has been better [since round one].

"I also want to look at the guys who're on the benches to see if they're any good."

The squad of 20 will be named after the final.

Nock said they will be straight into training due to the condensed calendar and the extra tournament they must play to qualify for the Nation Provincial Rugby Sevens Tournament.

"It's a bit of a mental application as to who is going to front up and be keen for a fitness test. There will be guys who won't turn up, and that makes my job easier," Nock said.

Saturday's tournament is free entry but the Kawakawa & Moerewa Lions Club will be asking for a gold coin donation at the gate to go towards the Kawakawa Steam Train.

The United Kawakawa Rugby Club will be running the club bar and DJ Bazz will be playing music from 2.00pm onwards.

First game is at 10.30am and the final is at 5.23pm.