[(IRB.COM) Thursday 20 March 2008] ĄG
New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has named two newcomers in his squad as the defending IRB Sevens World Series champions look to continue their perfect start to the 2007/08 season with victories in Hong Kong and Adelaide.
North Harbour teenage wing Nafi Tuitavake and 26-year-old half back Chad Tuoro of Counties Manukau are both members of the wider New Zealand Sevens squad, but this will be their first appearances in the IRB Sevens World Series.
The two players missing out from the previous two legs in February are Israel Dagg and former captain Tafai Ioasa, who along with IRB Sevens Player of the Year in 2007 Afeleke Pelenise were unavailable because of injury.
"Chad is very experienced at provincial level, while Nafi has performed very well in all the camps to date and has earned his spot," explained Tietjens, whose side are on a record 36-game unbeaten run since losing to Fiji in the Cup quarter-finals in Adelaide last April.
New chapter on horizon for Yates
The Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the Series will also be the last Steven Yates plays for New Zealand before moving to Japan to continue his rugby career, the 24-year-old having been a key player in their dominance start to the Series.
"Steven has given us exceptional service the last couple of years and has made an immense contribution to the team. We wish him all the best for the next chapter of his life," added Tietjens, who has the squad in camp at Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand may have a maximum 80 points after victories in Dubai, George, Wellington and San Diego with a 32-point cushion over South Africa, but Tietjens will not allow any let up as they seek a first win in Hong Kong since 2001.
Tietjens' charges will face USA, Tunisia and Chinese Taipei in Pool A at the Hong Kong Sevens from 28-30 March. A week later at the Adelaide Oval their opponents will be Scotland, Argentina and the Cook Islands.
"The Hong Kong tournament is crucial because the winner earns 30 points, the most on offer by any tournament. Even though we have won the first four tournaments, we cannot afford to be complacent and it is important that we continue to stay focused and continue that momentum," added Tietjens.
Scotland make change to squad
Meanwhile Scotland Sevens coach Stephen Gemmell has been forced to make one change to his squad after Andrew Turnbull was recalled by Edinburgh for club duty. Teenager Grant Anderson, who played in Dubai and George, takes his place.
New Zealand squad:
Tomasi Cama, Edwin Cocker, DJ Forbes (Captain), Nigel Hunt, Solomon King, Zar Lawrence, Lote Raikabula, Rene Ranger, Chad Tuoro, Nafi Tuitavake, Victor Vito, Steven Yates.
Revised Scotland squad:
Scott Forrest (Captain), Mike Adamson, Ben Addison, Chris Fusaro, Roddy Grant, Greig Laidlaw, Scott Newlands, Colin Shaw, James Thompson, Grant Anderson, Richie Vernon, Ali Warnock.
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