Two newcomers for Kiwis
Thu, 15 May 2008 15:03
New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named two uncapped players in the squad of 12 for the final two tournaments in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series.
The tournaments are in London, on May 24 and 25, and Edinburgh (May 31 and June 1).
Ben Nowell, a 22-year-old midfielder from Canterbury, and 25-year-old fullback Kendrick Lynn of Southland are the two new caps.
Tietjens said both players earned their call-ups after impressing at the training camp this week.
"Ben and Kendrick are promising players with good skills, and they have demonstrated that they are ready for international rugby," Tietjens said.
"They have taken well to the Sevens game and this is an ideal opportunity for them to show their talent and ability on a world stage," he added.
New Zealand leads the IRB Sevens World Series on 126 points, ahead of South Africa (92 points) and Fiji (74 points).
"While we are leading the points table, we are yet to win the Series and we are determined to finish the year on a winning note," Tietjens said.
New Zealand: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Edwin Cocker (Auckland), Israel Dagg (Hawke’s Bay), DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau, captain), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Tafai Ioasa (Hawke’s Bay), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Ben Nowell (Canterbury), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour).
