Curry praises local teams after Sharks upset NZ side

Former New Zealand sevens player Scott Curry has praised the calibre of local teams. 

His men knew it would not be a walk in the park when they were preparing for the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s. 

Yesterday his team, the New Zealand men’s development side lost their opening match to Ravuka Sharks, 7-22, at Lawaqa Park ground 2, Sigatoka. 

Curry said while it was a development team, seven of his men were contracted with the NZ sevens men’s team. These players include Kitiona Vai and trio Kele Lasaqa, Scott Gregory and Sam Clarke who played at last month’s HEBC Cape Town 7s tournament. 

“We knew it would be a very tough tournament and we started a bit slow in that game, the sharks definitely punished us,” Curry said. 

“When the Sharks got the opportunities, they took them. They really played well. 

“But it’s great development for our guys. They’re learning and that’s why we’re here.” 

Curry added most of his team members have only played one or two HSBC tournaments. 

“It’s very much a development team. But I think we’ve got the players here to win some games and go far in the competition. 

“We here to get exposure for guys that haven’t played much 7s and for them to learn against some really good sides here in Fiji, and for some of the players, it’s an opportunity to put their hand up for the next HSPC 7s tournament in Perth and Singapore.” 

He said some of their players were selected from the Under-18 Global Youth tournament. 

“Every individual’s got a different opportunity here, but as a team, we’re coming here to play well and learn about the game.” .