New Zealand sevens rugby coach Gordon Tietjens has chosen a predictable squad for the world circuit - with one exception.
Wanganui's Donovan Nepia was the bolter in the 16-strong squad who went into camp at the Massey University Rugby Institute immediately after the finals of the national tournament in Palmerston North yesterday.
Nepia, aged 21, a fullback in XVs rugby, played his second season of NPC rugby with Wanganui this year. Aucklander Iliesa Tanivula and Waikato's Marty Holah are other fresh faces in the squad.
Tietjens expects to whittle the squad down to 12, probably on Friday, as the team prepare for the first two tournaments of the International Rugby Board circuit, in South Africa on November 18 and 19, and Dubai on November 23 and 24.
North Harbour ran in eight tries in beating Waikato 52-12 in the cup final yesterday. They had earlier tipped out Auckland, 17-12, in one semfinal, while Waikato had edged out Wellington 19-14.
Wanganui were one of the success stories of the tournament, beating Taranaki 19-14 in the plate championship final.
A handful of players, including Caleb Ralph, Malili Muliaina, Orene Ai'i, Rico Gear and Rua Tipoki, were not considered for selection because they are on duty with the New Zealand A team in Europe.
With those experienced backs unavailable, Auckland's Joeli Vidiri has been selected, despite his not playing in the weekend's tournament.
New Zealand squad: Eric Rush (North Harbour), Craig De Goldi (Auckland), Craig Newby (North Harbour), Matua Parkinson (North Harbour), Tony Monaghan (Northland), Dallas Seymour (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Jared Going (Northland), Amasio Valence (Auckland), Damian Karauna (Waikato), Karl Te Nana (North Harbour), Roger Randle (Waikato), Donovan Nepia (Wanganui), Iliesa Tanivula (Auckland), Marty Holah (Waikato), Joeli Vidiri (Auckland).
- NZPA
Rugby: Nepia surprise sevens selection
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