IRB Sevens- NZ name team for England and Scotland

The New Zealand Sevens team for the England and Scotland legs of the IRB World Series has been named today.. With no chance of getting their hands on the years title, Titch has named a team to recreate lost passion and form on the IRB circuit.

Tomasi Cama makes his return to the squad following his injury, having last played in Hong Kong, and Save Tokula re-joins the team after missing two tournaments through injury. Manawatu’s Kurt Baker also returns to the squad after last playing in Dubai late last year.
 
Coach Gordon Tietjens said he was pleased to be able to name an experienced squad for the last two tournaments of the Series after a season plagued with injuries.

“We want to go out on a high in these last two tournaments. Despite being very much the rank outsiders to win the Series, we will be showing the same commitment and resolve to finish on a positive note,” said Tietjens.
 
“These two tournaments are also about building strength in the team for next year. We have a lot of young talent coming through and the future is looking bright for New Zealand Sevens rugby.”

 
 
Nafi Tuitavake and Tim Mikkelson were unavailable as they are in the New Zealand Under 20s and Chiefs squads respectively.  Tu Umaga Marshall, Edwin Cocker and Nigel Hunt were not considered due to injury.
 
Squad for England and Scotland tournaments: Kurt Baker (Manawatu), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Tim Nanai Williams (Counties Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki),  Save Tokula (Waikato), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau).
 
 
New Zealand’s schedule of matches (all times are local):
 
England Tournament 23 -24 May

23 May

v Canada, 1.25pm

v Portugal, 4.31pm

v Argentina, 8.11pm

 

24 May

Finals day

 

Scotland Tournament 30-31 May

30 May

v USA, 9.57am

v France, 1.23pm

v South Africa, 5.28pm

 

31 May

Finals day