Collier to lead NZ into Sevens battle
TEAM ANNOUNCENTS: New Zealand Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens teams kick off their 2025 campaigns in Perth this weekend.
Sporting a new surname, wing Michaela Brake (nee Blyde) returns for her first tournament since winning gold at the Paris Olympics, while the men’s Sevens have named two potential debutants in Bay of Plenty’s Frank Vaenuku and Tasman’s Maloni Kunawave.
Dylan Collier captains the men’s team.
Akuila Rokolisoa, Kitiona Vai, Amanaki Nicole, Roderick Solo and Xavier Tito-Harris are unavailable due to injury.
Shiray Kaka is unavailable for the women’s team.
New Zealand teams for Perth
Men: Brady Rush, Tone Ng Shiu, Oli Mathis, Dylan Collier (captain), Andrew Knewstubb, Lewis Ormond, Ngarohi McGarvey–Black, Codemeru Vai, Sione Molia, Regan Ware, Frank Vaenuku, Sofai Maka, Maloni Kunawave.
Women: Manaia Nuku, Jorja Miller, Mahina Paul, Sarah Hirini (captain), Michaela Brake (nee Blyde), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Kelly Brazier, Theresa Setefano, Alena Saili, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Dhys Faleafaga, Kelsey Teneti, Katelyn Vahaakolo.
Two stops in and things are shaping up nicely 👀
How different are these standings going to look after #HSBCSVNSPER?#HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/pI3oTEwNU1
ADVERTISEMENT— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) January 17, 2025
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