Rugby sevens: Messam and Latimer on hitlist

Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer are thought to be virtually confirmed starters at next month's Commonwealth Games, with Doug Howlett also on New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens' hitlist to lure to Melbourne.

It is understood that a significant number of contracted Super 14 players, including Howlett, have indicated they want to be part of the squad that will play in the Melbourne games. Former sevens stalwarts Messam and Latimer are desperate to be involved and, as neither is likely to be considered indispensable at their respective Super 14 franchises, the Chiefs and Crusaders, their presence in Melbourne is almost certain.

Having seen his young side come unstuck in the semifinals at Wellington largely because of their collective inexperience, Tietjens is keen on players who have experience of the abbreviated game. Last year Messam captained New Zealand to their fifth consecutive IRB sevens title and Latimer, who played international sevens as a 17-year-old, chipped in with a valuable contribution. The current squad, who played in Wellington last night, would welcome the addition of a few old timers.

"It will be good to have a few more experienced heads out there to help us," said Zar Lawrence, the North Harbour wing. "It was hard for us to keep our heads cool and to stay focused."

Tietjens is allowed one player from each Super 14 franchise and one player from the wider training group attached to each franchise as long as the two players from each franchise don't play in the same position.

As well as experienced sevens players, Tietjens is targeting outside backs that possess the speed to give New Zealand an edge in what will be a fiercely contested battle for the gold medal with England, Fiji and Australia also challenging for honours.

He currently has no out and out flyer at his disposal and the introduction of Howlett would give them the required finishing power to be able to score length-of-the-field tries.

But it is questionable how many will actually be released.

There is also a belief that individual Super 12 coaches quietly suggested to some players that if they went to the Hong Kong Sevens last year, their absence would be noted.

It is possible that such a scenario could pan out again this year but Blues coach David Nucifora said there will be no pressure put on any player to make his mind up one way or another.

"It's entirely up to the players. We have some very good sevens players at the Blues. It's up to individuals. It's their call and we'll go with it."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY