Tietjens names new squad
01/26/2012 01:08:58 AM
New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens is looking to youth as he rebuilds his side for next week's IRB Sevens tournament in Wellington.
He has called in 18-year-old Wellington player Ardie Savea, the younger brother of Julian, the captain of the New Zealand Secondary Schools side last year.
Nineteen-year-old Aucklander Lolagi Visina is also one of four new caps called in. Hawke's Bay's Mark Jackman and Taranaki's Waisake Naholo are the others.
Also included are experienced performers Lote Raikabula, captain DJ Fores and Tomasi Cama who are in the seventh season with the side.
Tietjens said: "There are some young players in this squad showing great promise which bodes well for the future as we head towards the 2016 Olympics."
All Black Hosea Gear will join the squad in Wellington on Friday and will be available for consideration for the Hertz Sevens.
The 2012 New Zealand Sevens squad is: Toby Arnold, Tomasi Cama, Scott Curry, DJ Forbes, Frank Halai, Bryce Heem, Mark Jackman, Solomon King, Tim Mikkelson, Waisake Haholo, Kylem O'Donnell, Charles Piutau, Lote Raikabula, Ardie Savea, Lolagi Visinia.