Cama blow for New Zealand Sevens

Jan 16 • General News, International, Sevens Rugby, Sevens World Series, World Rugby • 2168 Views • Comments Off on Cama blow for New Zealand Sevens

New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named his squad for the USA Sevens in Las Vegas, with a noticeable absentee in the influential Tomasi Cama.

DJ Forbes will once again captain the side and although the season’s leading points scorer, Cama, suffered a calf injury in training, Tietjens is confident he has able replacements.

“He (Cama) is certainly the best half back in the world in Sevens and having him injured is a real concern but he will bounce back and at the same time we are building depth.

“Gillies Kaka I am sure will step up to that role. He was the best player at Rugby World Cup in Russia and we have very capable Mark Jackman as well who can thrive in that position.”

The All Blacks Sevens, who lead the Series standings after the first three rounds, have not won in Las Vegas in the four years at the Sam Boyd Stadium.

Tietjens’ side has notched three second places, however, with the Cup shared twice by South Africa and Samoa.
“We have played consistently well there so it’s not that we don’t play well there, it comes down to those defining moments that decide whether you win or lose,” added Tietjens.

“We have to use different tactics because there is not as much width on the field so there is a lot more contact and I have picked a side that is very strong and very big and hopefully they can do the work for us.”

One players is also set to make their debut for the reigning World Series champions in USA, Akira Ioane.
“He is someone we want to grow as a sevens player,” explained Tietjens.

“He has all the attributes and the skill set of a fine rugby player. He’s exciting, very fast, very skillful and it will be real challenge for him his first tournament, but I am sure he will thrive on that.”

New Zealand begin their campaign against Australia, the side they beat to win the opening round of the Series on the Gold Coast, before facing matches against Scotland and the Dubai Sevens champions Fiji.

Courtesy of IRB