Messam to lead NZ Sevens
Messam takes over the captaincy armband from Tim Mikkelson after the former Chiefs wing was injured in Hong Kong, and following the decision to rest long serving former captain DJ Forbes.
Former Rotorua Boys High School First XV captain Isaac Te Aute will make his debut having joined the All Blacks Sevens squad late last year after finishing school.
Bay of Plenty centre Teddy Stanaway and Manawatu loose forward Antonio Kiri Kiri earn their second caps having last been called into the side that played in Cape Town in December. Kiri Kiri, Te Aute and Josh van Lieshout join the team as injury replacements following the Hong Kong Sevens.
Meanwhile, Sir Gordon Tietjens has jumped to the defence of Sonny Bill Williams after former All Black No.8. Murray Mexted claimed Williams simply isn't up to the unique skills required in Sevens, such as contesting kickoffs and playing a key part in scrums.
Tietjens responded saying Williams is meeting all the targets and expectations to be a key part of their Olympic campaign and that he has been extremely influential, including over the weekend in Hong Kong.
"He's well on track," said Tietjiens.
"He's got a superb attitude. I mean, defensively, first class and you need to be a good defender in the game of Sevens."
"With three tournaments remaining, if Williams stays injury free, we'll see someone who's excelling in the game of Sevens."
New Zealand Sevens: Kurt Baker Dylan Collier Gillies Kaka Antonio Kiri Kiri Josh Van Lieshout Liam Messam (captain) Sione Molia Teddy Stanaway Isaac Te Aute Isaac Te Tamaki Regan Ware Sonny Bill Williams
Saturday, April 16
10.44 (02.44 GMT) v France
14.05 (06.05 GMT) v Canada
17.48 (09.48 GMT) v USA
