Sevens face stiff test

New Zealand sevens rugby coach Gordon Tietjens is apprehensive about his team's defence of their world series title, heading into the series opener today.

For the first time they do not start the Dubai sevens as hot favourites, with the likes of defending champions England, Fiji and South Africa all capable of knocking over Tietjens' team.

New Zealand kick off their campaign against Canada before meeting hosts the Arabian Gulf. They then face a likely Pool A decider against France.