There are 4 newcommers to the New Zealand Sevens Squad for the remainder of the 2011-2012 IRB Sevens Series.
1. Mark Jackman
Jackman is the real bolter here. The former Hawkes Bay fullback/wing made the move south to play sevens for Canterbury this year.
He was not part of the Hawkes Bay Sevens set-up but led the Canterbury side to the final of the Bay of Plenty Invitational tournament and then to the semi-finals of the Nationals in Queenstown the week after.
He showed good pace and created a lot of opportunities one out.
New Zealand have missed a player like Kurt Baker – an instinctive runner capable of making breaks and finishing from distance.
It remains to be seen whether Jackman gets an opportunity to play in a tournament but it would be good to see how he goes at the highest level.
2. Lolagi Vunisia
Each year it seems Auckland come out with an exciting youngster. Last year it was Malakai Fekitoa, this year it was Lolagi Vunisia and Ben Lam.
Vunisia scored the telling try for Auckland in the final of the National Sevens in Queenstown and was instrumental in Aucklands’ victory.
3. Ardie Savea
Younger brother of Julian, Ardie has stepped up from being captain of the Rongotai College first XV to lead Wellington’s sevens team.
He captained the New Zealand secondary schools team last year and is surely headed for higher honours.
Ardie captained Wellington at the Nationals this season and led from the front with his work rate and big defense.
Coach Teitjens has been vocal about the need to build up to the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Vunisia, Naholo and Savea will not even be in their mid 20s by then.
Savea will have some big decisions to make about his rugby future in the next year or so. A positive showing for New Zealand at World Series level could give him a serious option of a living playing sevens.
4. Waisake Noholo
Noholo was in great form at the National Sevens in Queenstown backing up from an excellent showing the year before.
He has pace, size and strength to go with his high work rate.
It may be a little obvious but the young Fijian is a natural sevens player.
Naholo could be the ultimate partner to Frank Halai on the other wing.
There will be 12 players in the New Zealand team trying to defend their title from last year. THat means at least one of these guys will get a chance in Wellington.