Tietjens returns to Wellington in blue
Samoa kick-off their campaign in Wellington against Tietjens former side the All Blacks which just adds to anticipations of his return.
"It’s a big challenge being back in Wellington," he revealed in an interview with World Rugby.
"I suppose if you look back to when I stepped down from the New Zealand team after 22 years I thought that was it and now all of a sudden I find myself here with Samoa at the Wellington sevens. It’s a great challenge and I feel really energised for it. I’ve coached a lot of young Samoans over the years and it’s always been a pleasure coaching them. It’s a massive change but something I am looking forward to,"
The Pacific islanders are no strangers to success in rugby sevens. They won the world series back in 2009/10 and last year won the Paris Sevens, their first tournament win since 2012. Inconsistency has been an issue for a team with an abundance of natural sporting talent.
However, reeling in the expertise of Tietjens could help improve the side.
The 14-man roster features an interesting mix of new players as well as familiar fixtures from the previous legs.
Tila Mealoi holds onto to the captaincy armband while fellow Apia Maroon Silao Talimao Lefono also retain their spot in the squad.
New to the line-up are Manu Samoa’s Malu Falaniko, Marists’ Joe Perez, Neria Fomai and Solia Tofatu.
Samoa is pooled with New Zealand, France, and the United States.
Samoa Sevens: Lefono Silao Talimao , Alamanda Motuga, Francis Ieremia , Lafaele Va'a , Tomasi Alosio, Neria Fomai, Tofatu Solia , Laaloi Leilua , Tila Mealoi, Samoa Toloa, Joe Perez, Siaosi Asofolau, Malu Falaniko, Tapili Alefosio.
Source: Worldrugby.org & samoaobserver.ws
