NZ Sevens opt for experience for Commonwealth Games

The Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens have named experienced sides for the defence of their Commonwealth Games titles.

Photo: Photosport

Both sides have a number of Commonwealth Games and Olympic medal winners, though the men have picked some rookies, including two teenagers.

The women’s squad includes eleven players from the gold medal winning side at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The New Zealand women also won gold at last year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Jazmin Hotham will play at her first pinnacle event, having been a travelling reserve in Tokyo, the remainder of the squad have all played at least one Olympic Games.

“It is great to have experience in the side and that is balanced with some young players who have been getting more exposure this year and really impressed,” said Sweeney.

The side has had their fair share of dramatic victories, with extra-time wins in the 2018 Commonwealth Games Final against Australia and the Olympic semi-final against Fiji last year.

“We know small moments win games but sometimes those small moments take a little longer to come. Knowing that these players have that trust in each other is important; we’ve been there before and that gives us confidence that we have the ability to come out on top.”

The team will continue training at their Mt Maunganui base before departing for a pre-Games camp in Scotland next weekend.

Eight players from last year’s silver medal-winning Olympics team are selected for the men’s squad for Birmingham.

Sam Dickson, who missed last year’s Olympic Games through injury, will captain the side, and is supported by vice captains, Dylan Collier and Joe Webber.

For Dickson and Scott Curry, Birmingham will be their third Commonwealth Games appearance.

“We went into this year with an open mind in terms of looking at players in training and across all the tournaments we’ve played. Several our younger players really forced their way into contention with their performances,” said head coach Clark Laidlaw.

Teenagers Caleb Tangitau and Che Clark are two such players.

Tangitau impressed in the World Series in 2022 with 17 tries across four tournaments.

Clark is yet to make his World Series debut but was a standout performer at last weekend’s Oceania Sevens.

“The youth, excitement and energy they will bring, alongside our experienced players is a nice balance. We have these experienced players who are at the top of their game which means our younger players can come in and really express themselves,” said Laidlaw.

For Joe Webber and Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, the excitement of selection will be heightened after both being named for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games but being forced to withdraw through injury.

The team will continue training at their Mt Maunganui base before departing for a pre-Games camp in Scotland next weekend.

The Rugby Sevens competition at Birmingham 2022 will begin on July 29th.

New Zealand Women’s Sevens team

Michaela Blyde

Kelly Brazier

Theresa Fitzpatrick

Sarah Hirini (c)

Stacey Fluhler

Jazmin Hotham

Shiray Kaka

Tyla Nathan-Wong

Risaleaana Pouri-Lane

Alena Saili

Niall Williams

Tenika Willison

Portia Woodman

Travelling reserves: Terina Te Tamaki and Mahina Paul

Non-travelling reserves: Shakira Baker, Ruby Tui, Manaia Nuku, Tysha Ikenasio

New Zealand Men’s Sevens team

Leroy Carter

Che Clark

Dylan Collier (vc)

Scott Curry

Sam Dickson ©

Moses Leo

Ngarohi McGarvey-Black

Sione Molia

Tone Ng Shiu

Akuila Rokolisoa

Caleb Tangitau

Regan Ware

Joe Webber (vc)

Travelling reserves: Amanaki Nicole, Roderick Solo

Non-travelling reserves: Brady Rush, Kurt Baker, Trael Joass, Tim Mikkelson