PARIS - The New Zealand Sevens team want to erase the memories of their Paris effort two years ago when they lost to Australia in the final.
Goalkicker Tony Monaghan said even if Fiji win the inaugural world sevens title by reaching the final in Paris early Monday morning (NZ time), New Zealand would be out to win the final at the Charlety stadium.
"I was here two years ago and we lost to the Aussies in the final," Monaghan said in the New Zealand camp.
"We under-estimated them a bit. We were up 14-0 and thought we were home-and-hosed but they fought back and we couldn't finish off.
"We don't want to make that mistake again."
New Zealand won in Paris last year, but are currently six points behind rivals Fiji in the inaugural series.
Fiji have 172 points after nine tournaments, New Zealand are on 166 and Australia third on 106.
Fiji will win the world sevens crown if they reach the final in Paris - the 10th and last tournament in the inaugural world series.
However, Monaghan said New Zealand have had an outstanding year, having won at Hong Kong, in Fiji, South Africa and Dubai.
The sevens side only called on Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen in the Wellington leg of the series and have relied largely on players outside the Super 12 scene.
"We will approach this like any other tournament, taking one game at a time and our first goal is to win our pool against Morocco, the US and Argentina," Monaghan said.
"We have had six weeks off since the last tournament but I've been working hard in Whangarei with squad member Jared Going."
Monaghan was concussed in the Hong Kong sevens and missed the Japan tournament the following week.
He has fully recovered, is happy with his goalkicking and said the team was determined to play to their potential.
"We want to be consistent, not make any mistakes and hopefully go all the way. It's a great honour playing for the sevens side. The guys are pretty close and we would like to finish the season on a high note."
Fiji are fielding a strong side despite missing Filimone Delasau, Fero Lasagivibau, Jope Tuikabe, Sailosi Naiteqe and Taniela Qauqau. French-based Waisale Serevi and Viliame Satala will lead their title bid, knowing they need only to make the final to win.
The New Zealand squad is: Amasio Valence, Orene Ai'i (Auckland); Craig De Goldi, Justin Wilson (Bay of Plenty); Eric Rush, Craig Newby (North Harbour); Jared Going, Tony Monaghan (Northland); Damian Karauna (Waikato); Brad Fleming, Rodney So'oialo (Wellington); Karl Te Nana.
-NZPA
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