Squad pleases Nock

Northland Rugby Sevens coach Peter Nock reckons his team of "no stars" could ruffle a few feathers at this weekend's Black 28 Sevens Tournament in Auckland.

The Northland team are without the likes Lachie Munro and Rene Ranger this season because of their Super Rugby commitments, but it has not phased Nock, who is relishing his first year as head coach of the Sevens side.

"Those players always bring something special to the team but I like having the underdog status, and love that a team of no-stars could potentially knock over a team full of stars," Nock said.

"I love the no-stars approach ... the other teams won't be expecting so much from us."

On Saturday, Northland will play in a pool with teams from North Harbour, Auckland, Waikato and the Cook Islands A team, while a Four Nations combined team, Bay of Plenty, Counties, Cook Islands B and a second Waikato team comprise the other pool in the Black 28 tournament.

"We are usually considered the easybeats of the northern centre teams, but we have done the hard work, we just need to come together as a team," Nock said.

Over the past few weeks, an extended squad of players have been put through their paces at a team camp at Tauranga Bay and also at team training sessions during the week - often being pushed out of their comfort zones as they prepare for their nationals campaign next month.

After last month's camp, Nock culled the squad to 15 players most of whom will be available for Saturday's Black 28 tournament at Auckland's College Rifles Rugby Club.

The Black 28 Tournament is the first hitout the squad have had together since they were selected from four regional sevens tournaments over the past two months. While there may not be any established "stars" as such, the Northland squad gathered is oozing with talent and stars ready to burst on to the Sevens scene, including brothers Vili and Jone Seveti.

The Fijians, who have recently come to Northland, play for Marist and dominated their opposition during the selection tournaments with their natural speed, flare and knowledge. The pair missed training this week as they had to return home to sort their visa requirements to play in New Zealand, but they should be available for Saturday, Nock said.

Kerikeri's fresh-faced Taylor Miller has also impressed the coaches. "He is only 17 so we need to try and get special dispensation for him to play, which we should do because of his size (6ft 2", 94kg) and his maturity," Nock said. Miller has been playing on the wing and has speed to burn, to go along with his size.

Meanwhile, the injury to key player Rhys Te Nana is of concern to Nock.

The utility hurt his knee at training and is scheduled for a scan this week - at best he will be ready for the Mt Maunganui Sevens Tournament on January 2.

Mac Sykes was also in the squad but has been ruled out because of injury. Sykes has been diagnosed with Osteitis pubis, and needs to rest to be recovered for his New Zealand Under-20 trial in March, Nock said.

Before Northland head to the Mount Maunganui tournament, they have a hitout against Counties, Waikato and North Harbour on December 17 as further preparation for their major campaign this season, the National Pub Charity Sevens Tournament, on January 8-9, in Queenstown.

Extended Northland Sevens squad: Josh Caldwell, Vili Seveti, Jone Seveti, Beau Dickens, Dan Faleafa, Siaosi Tuatao, Tane Takalua, Karaitiana Vette Welsh, Jimmy Horsfold, Alesio Patelo, Matt Wright, Anaru Thompson, Mateo Malupo, Matty Mattich, Taylor Miller (waiting for dispensation), Rhys Te Nana (currently injured).