‘Why We’re Here’
World men’s champs want to play Fiji and get the best out of them., Olympic and world 7s women’s champs want to play Fiji in their backyard.
Monday 07 March 2022 | 15:36
The New Zealand rugby sevens teams are looking forward to playing Australia and Fiji at Churchill Park, Lautoka, from March 18-19
The Kiwis arrived here on Saturday and are currently on a three-day isolation.
New Zealand men’s sevens coach, Clarke Laidlaw said, they were looking forward to playing in Fiji as part of their build-up for the HSBC World Sevens Series in Singapore, which is from April 9-10 and followed by the Vancouver, Canada, tournament on April 16-17.
“It is a long time to travel two years apart from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and getting back into the game is important to us,” Laidlaw told SUNsports.
“We had a couple of tournaments in New Zealand following the Tokyo Olympics and this competition is what we need.
“This competition (in Fiji) is important to us and a good build up for the Singapore and Vancouver 7s.
“Games against Fiji are always fierce especially being played in Fiji. We are looking forward to playing against them in this competition and to get the best of sevens rugby.”
With the exception of Scott Curry, Laidlaw said the rest of the squad were seasoned campaigners.
The New Zealand 7s women’s team at Nadi International Airport on March 5, 2022. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Olympic women’s 7s champs ready
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women’s rugby sevens gold medallist New Zealand are eager to face bronze medallist Fiji and Australia in Lautoka.
Two members of the gold medal winning team, Shiray Kaka and Alena Saili, are expected to join them later this week.
Coach Cory Sweeney said they were excited to play sevens rugby in Fiji’s backyard.
“It’s an awesome opportunity to play against our old rivals Fiji and have a good weekend of sevens rugby, ‘’ he said.
“We have six players from the Olympics along with the young players to compete in the competition.”
Following the Lautoka tournament, the Kiwis will move to Suva to play in the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament from March 24-25.
The Black Ferns Sevens have won the World Sevens Series five times.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are the defending Sevens Rugby World Cup champions.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
