Good luck picking a winner at the Bayleys National Sevens this weekend.
New Zealand's top 16 men's teams and top 12 women's teams will compete in the two-day tournament which kicks off at Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow.The fast-paced nature of sevens rugby makes it a hard game to predict at any time, let alone at this weekend's tournament which is packed full of the country's best game-changing players.
In both the men and women's tournaments it is defending champions Counties Manukau who will have the biggest targets on their backs, however it was the Waikato men and Manawatu women who were victorious at last weekend's provincial sevens in Tauranga. Wellington and Auckland are always strong and you would be brave to count out hosts Bay of Plenty.
Regional qualifying tournaments were completed in December to confirm teams and seeding places.
In the men's draw Counties Manukau are the top seed and lead a tough pool A which also features last year's beaten finalists, Waikato.
Bay of Plenty are second seed and top pool B, while central and southern region winners Wellington and Tasman top pool C. Manawatu are fourth seeds at the head of pool D.
Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Goss is one of many star players to watch at the Bayleys National Sevens this weekend. Photo / Getty Images
On the women's side of the draw, northern winners Waikato are seeded first and head pool A, Manawatu tops pool B and Auckland leads pool C. Defending champions Counties Manukau join neighbours Auckland in pool C.
Organisers of the national tournament encouraged Bay of Plenty locals and summer visitors to take advantage of the chance to see some of the best sevens players in the country in action.
Those include Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Goss, World Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year Michaela Blyde and the formidable Portia Woodman.
Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers said the union was excited to host the event again.
"We are looking forward to once again hosting this prestigious tournament and providing our local community with an abundance of quality rugby sevens action. The speed, skill and excitement of the sevens game, combined with provincial rivalries, ensures it's a notable weekend for rugby fans. Plus the entertainment for kids means it is the perfect event for the whanau to be a part of," Rogers said.
Following a great day of rugby it was Waikato Men and Manawatu Women who went on to defend their respective Bay of...
The tournament is also a chance for players to impress with national honours and professional contracts on the line.
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw and Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting will be on hand with an eye to finalising their contracted squads for the year. Both teams are preparing for a busy 2018, which includes the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens.
"Every year the National Sevens event uncovers brilliant new talented women and men and it's an opportunity for players to represent their unions and put their hands up for higher honours," New Zealand Rugby general manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said.
"It's a massive year for sevens kicking off in Rotorua this weekend followed closely by the sell-out HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton in a few weeks' time."
Bayleys National Sevens - Key information
Pools Men Pool A: Counties Manukau, Taranaki, Waikato, Whanganui Pool B: Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Canterbury, Mid Canterbury Pool C: Wellington, Tasman, Northland, Southland Pool D: Manawatu, North Harbour, Hawke's Bay, Otago
Women Pool A: Waikato, Canterbury, Otago, Poverty Bay Pool B: Manawatu, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, North Harbour Pool C: Auckland, Counties Manukau, Hawke's Bay, Southland
When: January 13-14 Where: Rotorua International Stadium Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz (Adults $15, child under-15 $5, under-5 free, family tickets $35 Watch: Live on Sky Sport
