There will no excuses around poor preparation should the All Blacks Sevens fail to fire in their title defence at this weekend's Wellington tournament.
While poor preparation was a valid reason for a mediocre Dubai World Series tournament in December, New Zealand are now coming off a four-day camp in Rotorua and a full week in the capital as they seek a fourth consecutive Cup crown in their home event and a rise up the log from their current standing of fifth.
Coaches Scott Waldrom and Tomasi Cama have opted to cut the rookie Tasman duo of Andrew Knewstubb and Trael Joass from the 14 as they finalised their 12-man squad, but two rookies will be involved, 18-year-old playmaker Vilimoni Koroi and Tasman's Tone Ng Shiu. Koroi is an excitement machine, fresh out of school and with skills to match his speed.
Captain Scott Curry, who missed the 2016 event, indicated that both new caps would be eased into it and would not start the opener against Samoa.
"It's a big game, so hopefully a few nerves were settled in the captain's run. There's a good buzz in the team and everybody is just getting really clear on the game plans. We want to play with a really positive intent this weekend, so if there are opportunities, (the coaches) want us to express ourselves," Curry says, who is looking no further than the first play against Samoa.
