The New Zealand 7s team will field a new team in the Oceania Sevens on Friday and Saturday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

The team led by senior players Joe Webber, Tim Mikkelson and Scott Curry arrived with the  Black Ferns women players yesterday.

Mikkelson said they are ready to learn and rated Australia as the team to beat after winning three pre-season tournaments.

“It’s our first time and it should be good.We have  a new team so being this is our first real hitout, we are ready to get out there and play some games,” he said.

“We have been together for a few weeks so this will be a good test for us before the World Sevens Series starts in Dubai next month.

“The Aussies have set a huge benchmark and have won three pre-season tournaments.”

Mikkelson added Fiji is always considered to be an arch rival but they are positive the tournament brings a lot of fans.

“Fiji has always been known for their love of sevens, and we know how popular it is here.

“We are hoping to see a big crowd and also having a few of our All Blacks fans as well.”

The side is pooled with Cook Islands and Nauru. ⌂

The Black Ferns play Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands and Tahiti in pool play.

Black Ferns: Portia Woodman, Tenika Willison, Stacey Waaka, Rugby Tui, Terina Te Tamaki, Alena Saili, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Kayla McAlister, Sarah Gross, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Gayle Broughton, Michaeala Blyde,

Edited by Osea Bola

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