Print

Mail

wiki links

Kiwis look to underscore dominance in US Sevens

New Zealand, unbeaten in five-straight legs on the IRB Sevens World Series, hope to further prove they are in a class of their own at the USA Sevens, which starts today at Petco Park.

New Zealand are also looking to make history this weekend by trying to break their own record of 34 unbeaten matches in Sevens that was set by the 2001/2002 team.

The Kiwis, who beat Samoa 27-17 in the final of the third round of the sevens in Wellington last weekend, have now won 30-straight games. New Zealand have won the first three tournaments of 2007-2008 and the final two of last season.

In order to surpass the feat of the 2001/2002 team, the Kiwis would need to reach the final in San Diego.

"I can't see any team stopping New Zealand now this season," South Africa coach Paul Treu said.

New Zealand are in Pool A with France, Scotland and Wales. South Africa head up Pool D with England, Mexico and the host Americans. Fiji, Australia, Samoa and West Indies are in Pool B while Argentina, Canada, Chile and Kenya comprise Pool C.

The US have bolstered their lineup with the addition of flying wing Takudzwa Ngwenya.

Ngwenya scored two tries in the Rugby World Cup last year.

"I wanted to be here because it's our home event and we're trying to show the American public that rugby is a good sport and we want to do that at home," Ngwenya said.

The Canadians are adding a prominent name from the past. Morgan Williams, who last played Sevens for Canada in 2006, had to be coaxed out of retirement.

"We needed someone with experience, who had worked with the players and worked out with the players as well. With that in mind the decision was reached to coax Morgan off the retirement couch and back onto the field," said Geraint John, Rugby Canada spokesman.
This story has been viewed 2580 times.