KEY POINTS:
Fans at the Wellington sevens are being asked to cover up this weekend but the New Zealand team have not been denuded of the muscle and power that has them clear leaders of the International Rugby Board (IRB) series.
While organisers have moved to stamp out clothing outfits for spectators which could be deemed offensive, the New Zealand players will again turn to size and rugged defence at Westpac Stadium on Friday and Saturday as they seek a fifth successive series win.
Forward Steven Yates reckons his side got the formula right in their two vital wins at London and Edinburgh last June to emerge on top in the 2006-07 series and continued it with triumphs in Dubai and George, South Africa, two months ago - beating Fiji in both finals - to open their latest campaign.
"We've pretty much got the same team so we can build on what we've done," Yates said.
"Things haven't changed too much, we'll stick to our guns of how we won the first two. But we've got to be grounded about the whole thing, it's not just going to happen automatically."
Canterbury winger Yates made his debut at last year's Wellington tournament, part of a young team who were embarrassed 0-31 by Fiji in the semifinals, New Zealand's third biggest loss since the advent of sevens records in 1984.
He has gone on to be a regular under Gordon Tietjens and admired the way the coach had changed tack after the Fiji humbling.
"We got a bit smarter about it," Yates said.
"What we've noticed is that if our defence is going really well, and we're going forward there, other teams don't flow as well. We can get in and upset them.
"At the moment that's probably our main focus and attack takes care of itself."
Yates thought Fiji were the only team who could compare to New Zealand in terms of size.
Captain DJ Forbes, veteran Tafai Ioasa and Edwin Cocker had developed a knack of dominating the middle of the park, freeing up speedsters such as giant winger Victor Vito to create mayhem out wide.
Yates' size and skill were also playing a key role.
"I know what I'm doing now. This time last year I didn't really know what I was getting myself into," he said.
"I love it. I couldn't imagine being in a better team.
"The environment that you're in is a lot more relaxed than 15s. It's something different. We're back in that big arena again this weekend, it's going to be loud and noisy but I'll be ready for it much better."
Samoa beat Fiji 17-14 in last year's final here, the Samoans' only title in the eight years of the IRB series.
They are in the same pool as New Zealand courtesy of a slow start to this year's series, and the teams will square off in the final pool game on Friday night.
In a comment that would resonate with the All Blacks following their World Cup failure, Yates welcomed quality opposition in the pool stage.
"It's hard to face a lot of easy teams and then go through. You're better off to slip up on the first day and have a wake up but still be alive for the next stage."
Second seeds Fiji will be challenged by a young England side in pool B.
South Africa and Argentina, who are third and fourth respectively in the series, should top the other pools.
New Zealand played the Cook Islands yesterday and the United States today in warmup matches, with injured halfback Nigel Hunt watching on.
A decision on Hunt's availability after suffering an ankle injury at training this week will be left until the last minute.
New Zealand squad: DJ Forbes (captain), Victor Vito, Israel Dagg, Rene Ranger, Zar Lawrence, Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama, Nigel Hunt, Chad Tuoro, Steven Yates, Tafai Ioasa, Solomon King, Edwin Cocker (one to be omitted).
Pools:
Pool A: New Zealand, Samoa, Canada, Papua New Guinea
Pool B: Fiji, England, Wales, Cook Islands
Pool C: South Africa, Kenya, Australia, France
Pool D: Argentina, Scotland, United States, Tonga
IRB series standings: New Zealand 40 points, Fiji 32, South Africa 24, Argentina 20, England 12, Kenya 12, Samoa 10, Scotland 8.
- NZPA
