New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes admits winning their home tournament in Wellington is the toughest task on the world sevens series circuit.
Forbes and his team enter this year's event looking for back-to-back titles at Westpac Stadium, something no country bar New Zealand has ever achieved.
"We never look at it like we want to defend our title," he said. "Just like everyone else we have to try and win it.
"Being at home and all the hype that surrounds it it's definitely harder to win in front of your family and friends. But there's no reason why we can't if we perform."
Not since New Zealand's triple success in 2003, 2004 and 2005 has any team managed to defend their Wellington title.
But with senior players Tim Mikkelson, Tomasi Cama and Lote Raikabula also back for another shot Forbes believes the onus is on them to shield younger team-mates such as debutants Mark Jackman and Ardie Savea from the pressure that comes with playing in front of 35,000 vocal supporters.
"We try and play it down and tell the young boys that's it all part and parcel of rugby," said Forbes who made his Wellington sevens debut in 2006.
"Everyone is pretty proud of what we do. In front of your family and friends there is no other option than trying to win.
"As far as I'm concerned the senior boys try to take all the pressure off the younger boys. We've been there before. It's on us to lead by example."
New Zealand enter the fourth leg of the IRB Sevens Series tied with Fiji at the top of the points standings.
But coach Gordon Tietjens believes there are six or seven teams that have the potential to win the Wellington tournament.
"This is the hardest tournament for us to win," he said. "A lot of teams come out and give it their very best when they play New Zealand.
"The Pacific Island teams are very tough here and they get a lot of support. You can't forget England, who won it here three years ago.
"We may have won it last year but it can change from year to year. We've seen Samoa win it here and Fiji and South Africa.
"For us, our first game against Scotland will set the tone for our tournament."