Rugby Sevens: NZ has 'strong nucleus' for world series

As always, New Zealand rugby sevens coach Gordon Tietjens takes a step into the unknown at the world series-opening Dubai tournament tomorrow.

Tietjens' team is missing some stars from the gold medal-winning Commonwealth Games side, but the vastly experienced sevens coach isn't too concerned.

"The likes of Zac Guildford, Liam Messam, Sherwin Stowers and Fritz Lee are all with Super 15 squads now, but I've retained a strong nucleus for the world series," he said.

"Our objective for the last year was, first and foremost, to win that [Commonwealth] gold medal, that was right up at the top, and then the world series.

Six newcomers have been named in the side to contest the opening two legs of the IRB sevens series in Dubai and South Africa.

Waikato 19-year-old Declan O'Donnell is the youngest of the newcomers, the others being Manawatu's Scott Curry, Auckland's Bryce Heem, Waikato's Frank Halai, Taranaki's Jackson Ormond and North Harbour's Jack McPhee.

A core of experience is provided by captain D.J. Forbes, Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson and Toby Arnold, all part of the Commonwealth Games squad last month.

Taranaki flanker Scott Waldrom has been released by the Chiefs for the first two tournaments. He last played for the sevens team in 2007.

New Zealand has been drawn in Pool B alongside Argentina, USA and Zimbabwe, with their first scheduled match against the US tomorrow.

"It's never an easy draw. I mean Argentina could bring a very, very good side - you just would never have any idea," Tietjens said.

With the US always competitive, he is wary ahead of the series opener.

"That first tournament, you're sort of going into the unknown a little bit, and you're always cautious. We'll have to play every game as a final."

The New Zealanders won last year's season opener in Dubai, but missed out on the overall title, finishing second behind Samoa. The previous year, the title was won by South Africa. "We've won eight, but haven't won it the last two years - we were second last year and fourth the year before, but sevens has got a lot closer."

Tietjens has pinpointed 2005 world series winners Fiji as the big threat.

"They were not at the Commonwealth Games, which was a real shame for them, but they'll go quietly about their business.

"They play sevens week in and week out in Fiji, and I think that they will bring a very good side."

NZ SQUAD

D.J. Forbes (captain, Counties Manukau), Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Scott Curry (Manawatu), Frank Halai (Waikato), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Jack McPhee (North Harbour), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Declan O'Donnell (Waikato), Jackson Ormond (Taranaki), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki).

- NZPA