Rugby: Difficult draw for Bay sides

Former All Blacks Sevens player Matt Clutterbuck looms as a crucial player for the Bay of Plenty men's sevens team. Photo / George Novak

The draw for next month's Bayleys National Sevens is yet to be circulated but the battle lines have been drawn for the final hit-out before the teams reach Rotorua International Stadium.

The pools have been announced for the Bay Engineers Provincial Sevens at Mount Maunganui's Blake Park a week before the national showpiece begins on January 17, and the home sides look up against it.

Though some teams, notably Northland, Tasman and Otago, will be absent from the traditional lead-in event, the rankings of the sides in the men's draw suggest the Bay's path at the nationals will be tough to say the least.

Tenth-ranked Bay of Plenty will begin their day with a showdown against Canterbury (9am) before clashes with Auckland (10.20am), Manawatu (12pm) and North Harbour (2.20pm).

The hosts have avoided Taranaki, Wellington, Counties Manukau, Waikato and Northland, but will play one of those sides in a straight playoff crossover to decide places 1-10.

The task has been made tougher by the absence of All Blacks Sevens contracted player Joe Tupe due to a long-term knee injury and the decision by a number of talented young players from Rotorua Boys' High School to concentrate on the 15-a-side game.

Bay of Plenty will be looking to improve on last season's performance when they were blown out 40-17 by Manawatu in the plate final.

Wellington are the defending champions after beating Auckland 26-17 in the men's final, while Manawatu beat Auckland 19-12 in the women's decider.

The women are set to play Waikato (11.40am), Auckland 12.40pm and Wellington for a spot in the semifinals.

Matches start on Saturday, January 10, at 9am. Tickets for adults cost $5, while entry is free for children under-14.