Tietjens names new blood for Singapore

New Zealand sevens rugby coach Gordon Tietjens today named two debutants in his 12-man squad to play in Singapore next week.

Manawatu's Tomasi Komainaua and North Harbour's Villiame Waqasaduadua will feature in the fifth tournament of the International Rugby Board sevens series at the Singapore National Stadium from April 16-17.

Tietjens also recalled North Harbour's Marc Camburn and Wellington's Nigel Hunt who debuted at the Wellington sevens in February.

"This tournament will be tough but we will be looking to increase our lead in the series.

"We had a good training camp last week and the players are positive and focused," Tietjens said in a statement.

Missing from the squad that lost the World Cup final to Fiji last month are Super 12 players Rudi Wulf and Josh Blackie, injured loose-forward George Naoupu, while Isaia Toeava is with the New Zealand under-19 team at the World Championships in South Africa.

Past squad members not considered due to injury were Charles Baxter, Hayden Reid and Roy Kinikinilau.

New Zealand are grouped in pool A with Australia, Singapore and Taiwan and currently lead the series on 72 points ahead of Fiji (52 points), Argentina (50 points) and England (48 points).

NZ Sevens team for Singapore

New Zealand squad named today for the International Rugby Board sevens tournament in Singapore from April 16-17:-

Orene Ai'i, Amasio Valence (Auckland), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Tomasi Komainaua (Manawatu), Marc Camburn, Villiame Waqasaduadua (North Harbour), Edwin Cocker (Otago), Lifeimi Mafi (Taranaki), Liam Messam (captain, Waikato), Tamati Ellison, Nigel Hunt, Tafai Ioasa (Wellington).

- NZPA