All Blacks Sevens named for HSBC Hong Kong Sevens

Apr 6 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 1379 Views • Comments Off on All Blacks Sevens named for HSBC Hong Kong Sevens

All Blacks Sevens Coach Roger Randle has named the team to play at the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for this weekend.

The team is (denotes debut);
1. Amanaki Nicole*
2. Salesi Rayasi*
3. Tone Ng Shiu
4. Joe Ravouvou
5. Luke Masirewa
6. Rocky Khan
7. Daniel Schrijvers*
8. Jona Nareki*
9. Akuila Rokolisoa*
10. Issac Te Tamaki
11. Jordan Bunce
12. Bailey Simonsson*

13. Tima Faingaanuku*

There are six debutants in the team of 12 which will be captained by Rocky Khan and Tone Ng Shiu. Issac Te Tamaki was brought into the squad to replace Etene Nanai-Seturo who was called into the Commonwealth Games squad.

Coach Roger Randle said the team have trained well this week in the build up to the tournament.

“This is one of the biggest sevens tournaments in the world and the boys have lapped that up since arriving in Hong Kong and there has been a real intensity about what they are doing.

“For many of the players it will be the first time they pull on the black jersey and the pride in that is evident. These boys are excited and raring to go.

“The focus this week has been about nailing down our systems and combinations. This will be the first time this group has played together so the way we have prepared is crucial for when we hit the field,” said Randle.

Randle said Khan and Ng Shiu will provide good leadership to the group on and off the field.

“Rocky is an experienced sevens player and has an exceptional understanding of the game, along with Tone who is an absolute workhorse and leads by his actions; I think they will complement each other well.”

The All Blacks Sevens will face Russia, Samoa and Fiji in Pool A.

Saturday 7 April
12.18am v Russia
5.32pm v Samoa
9.54pm v Fiji

Sunday 8 April – Finals Day