Tietjens opts for experience in Cake Tin
Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:10
New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens has named a largely experienced squad for the third leg of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series, in Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Friday and Saturday.
Tietjens has selected just one debutant into the side, 21-year-old Fritz Lee from Counties Manukau.
Solomon King was not considered due to injury.
Tietjens said this was a very difficult squad to select.
"The squad has trained very well over the last few days and a lot of players put up their hands for selection," Tietjens said.
"I have picked an experienced side and hopefully the team can continue with the great start they have had to the Series.
"It's always great to play at home and Wellington is a pretty special tournament. The players know there is a little more pressure and expectation than usual, but they want to get out there and really turn it on for the home crowd."
New Zealand currently leads the IRB Sevens World Series with two wins from the first two tournaments. They are on a full-house 48 points, followed by Fiji (36) and England (28). Defending Series champions South Africa are way back in eighth place on 16 points, having failed to make it past the quarterfinals in either of the opening tournament in Dubai and George.
The New Zealand team travels to Las Vegas for the fourth leg of the IRB Sevens World Series next Monday.
New Zealand: Kurt Baker (Taranaki), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Fritz Lee (Counties Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Save Tokula (Waikato).
Remaining tournament in the IRB World Sevens Series:
February 5 and 6: Wellington, New Zealand
February 13 and 14: Las Vegas, USA
March 19 to
21: Adelaide, Australia
March 26 to 28: Hong Kong
May 22 AND 23: London, England
May 29 AND 30: Edinburgh, Scotland
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