Sevens stage set for Wellington

 

The draw for the February 6 and 7 tournament comes after South Africa’s 26-17 win over New Zealand at Port Elizabeth in South Africa this past weekend.

 

The BlitzBokke managed to follow up their success in Dubai by defending their crown with a second Cup title in PE, this pushes them to the top of the table with 51 points.

 

Sevens Wellington General Manager Steve Dunbar said the current standings and interesting match-ups between the heavy weights of the game would make for exciting rugby in Wellington.

 

“The All Blacks Sevens love playing in front of their home crowd and will be charged to win in Wellington and remain in contention.

 

"The home series is also an Olympic qualifier round so there’s even more incentive for New Zealanders to get down to Westpac Stadium and support their team.”

 

All Blacks Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens said Sevens Wellington was always a very special tournament for players and there was much to play for. 

 

“It’s not often players get to wear the All Blacks Sevens jersey in front of their own fans and families so I am looking forward to it. 

 

"We also have a National Sevens tournament coming up in January and we will be looking at players that will also want to impress to be selected to be part of that side in Wellington.

 

“We were fifth after the first tournament and have now pushed ourselves to third, just four points behind Fiji so with six tournaments to go we can’t sit on that.

 

"We want to win the World Series and winning in Wellington will really set the tone for another good World Series.”

 

The opening match of the tournament will be a chance for fans to watch the current top team, South Africa, take on France.

 

Another key pool game will see local favourites Samoa, currently seventh on the table take on Scotland, their closest rival, sitting at eight.

 

Popular African side Kenya will play Argentina in their first pool game which will make for some great action for spectators. 

 

“There’s going to be so much fantastic rugby on display and there are always upsets, so I’d encourage everyone to get to Westpac Stadium early so as not to miss any of the excitement.

 

"It’s going to be a wonderful event and Wellington will be the place to be,” Dunbar said.  

 

 

Pool A: South Africa, United States, France, Japan

Pool B: New Zealand, England, Canada, Papua New Guinea

Pool C: Australia, Fiji, Wales, Portugal

Pool D: Argentina, Scotland, Kenya, Samoa