Cama to miss Las Vegas sevens tournament

New Zealand sevens ace Junior Tomasi Cama will miss the Las Vegas leg of the international circuit through injury later this month.

The Manawatu 33-year-old is one of three players who have been ruled out of the January 25-26 tournament due to varying ailments, alongside Ben Lam and Declan O'Donnell.

New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens said it was disappointing to lose Cama's experience for the fourth tournament of the series, which New Zealand narrowly leads.

"He is certainly the best halfback in the world in sevens and having him injured is a real concern but he will bounce back and at the same time we are building depth and Gillies Kaka I am sure will step up to that role. He was the best player at Rugby World Cup in Russia and we have very capable Mark Jackman as well who can thrive in that position,'' Tietjens said.

The side features one new player in Akira Ioane who was a star performer for Auckland at the national sevens over the weekend where the team came second to Wellington. The 18-year-old only finished at Auckland Grammar last year.

"He is someone we want to grow as a sevens player. He has all the attributes and the skill set of a fine rugby player and performed very well over the last three days,'' Tietjens said. ``He's exciting, very fast, very skilful and it will be real challenge for him his first tournament, but I am sure he will thrive on that.''

New Zealand have never won in Las Vegas and this will be the fifth year the USA tournament has been held in the gambling mecca.

New Zealand has notched three second places in the past four years with the cup shared twice by South Africa and Samoa. New Zealand last tasted success in the USA when they won the San Diego event in 2008.

"We have played consistently well there so it's not that we don't play well there, it comes down to those defining moments that decide whether you win or lose,'' Tietjens said.

"We have to use different tactics because there is not as much width on the field so there is a lot more contact and I have picked a side that is very strong and very big and hopefully they can do the work for us.''

The team for Wellington leg of the series, which will take place at the Cake Tin on February 7-8, will be confirmed post Las Vegas.

New Zealand: Scott Curry, Ambrose Curtis, Sam Dickson, DJ Forbes (captain), Bryce Heem, Akira Ioane, Mark Jackman, Gillies Kaka, Tim Mikkelson, Lote Raikabula, Sherwin Stowers, Joe Webber.