NZ looking for second successive home title
NZ will be hoping to win their home tournament for the second year in a row
Story and Photo: www.irbsevens.com
Following a dramatic 31-26 victory against South Africa in the final of the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens in December, New Zealand sit joint first in the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series.
The defending Series champions head into the Hertz Sevens this weekend on 51 points alongside Gold Coast Sevens winners Fiji, with Dubai Sevens winners England on 48 and South Africa 47.
Gordon Tietjens, however, is looking for his side to gain a small advantage in the standings on home soil at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington ahead of the USA Sevens on 10-12 February.
"You have to be there or thereabouts to continue to Vegas in terms of points if you are to do well in the Series," said Tietjens.
"Four teams are really close and you can't afford to trip up. But there will be teams that do trip up there is no question so this is a big part of the Series and to leave here as the top seed and having won the tournament gives you an advantage going to try and win that trophy."
In 2011 Declan O'Donnell stole the show for the hosts as he scored a hat-trick in the final as New Zealand beat England 29-14 but that was their first triumph on home soil since 2008.
Added pressure
In 2010 New Zealand lost in the semi-finals whilst in 2009 it was England who dramatically beat New Zealand 19-17 in the Cup final, and Tietjens is aware of the differing fortunes the home pressure can have on a team.
"We always look forward to our home tournament, but it is a tough one to crack," added Tietjens, who is looking for his 10th World Series title in 13 years.
"But there is also lots of pressure for a team to win their home tournament.
"The players love the tournament. Playing in front of friends and family is something yu can only do once every year. This is a very special tournament, and to win here is really pleasing for the players.
"But that pressure can be put on you, as South Africa felt playing us in the final in Port Elizabeth, and it can be heartbreaking as it was for us three years ago against England when we lost."
Following their victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, New Zealand were drawn in Pool A as the top seeds alongside Samoa, Scotland and Japan. Their first match is against Scotland at 15:12.