|
|
|
 TEIVOVO.COM – 2006-07 IRB World 7s Series
|
|
21 November 2006
Tietjens opts for Fijian flare
Gordon Tietjens has named three Fijians in the New Zealand 7s training squad to prepare for the first leg of the 2006-07 IRB World Series in Dubai and George.
Lote Raikabula (Hawke’s Bay), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu) and Asipeli Dauwai (Thames Valley) have impressed Tietjens and forced their way into the 21-member training squad.
Competition for a place in the New Zealand team will heat up when they vie for 12 positions during the five-day trial camp at Mt Maunganui.
Tietjens has also issued a challenge to the week’s triallists.
“They will have to perform at their best because the squad for the opening tournaments will be picked on form,” Tietjens said. "I expect the players to be fitter and better conditioned because they were all put on Sevens specific training programmes after our last camp in October."
Tietjens said the trial camp would also replicate game situations.
“It is important that players are tested and assessed during trial games that are similar to competition matches so I can get an indication of how they perform in certain situations,” he said.
“The group that will trial are the best players at the first camp. The challenge for them now is to play themselves into the best position to be selected.”
New Zealand will be looking to regain their supremacy in the 7s arena following a diasappointing outing last season. New Zealand were not able to register a win as Fiji took over proceedings to claim the 2005-06 IRB series, reaching seven finals and winning four.
Kiwi captain Tafai Ioasa will not attend the trial because of injury.
New Zealand 7s squad: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Edwin Cocker (Otago), Nick Crosswell (Manawatu), Asipeli Dauwai (Thames Valley), DJ Forbes (Auckland), Jarrad Hoeata (Taranaki), Nigel Hunt (Wellington), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (North Harbour), James Maher (Counties Manukau), Lachie Munro (Auckland), Jared Payne (Waikato), Alfred Pelenise (Canterbury), Lote Raikabula (Hawke’s Bay), Rene Ranger (Northland), Willie Rickards (Southland), Tua Saseve (North Harbour), Steven Setephano (Waikato), Nick Thomson (Canterbury), Scott Waldrom (Taranaki), Justin Wilson (Hawke’s Bay).
Int'l 7s main page
|
|
