DUBAI // New Zealand may be trailing a distance behind the in-form South Africans after two rounds of the IRB World Series. But they will still start as firm favourites when the draw is made for March's World Cup Sevens at the Atlantis at noon on Monday. Gordon Tietjens, the coach, has already been assured by the New Zealand Union that he can pick an additional player from each of the nation's five Super 14 franchises.
It is a luxury he has rarely been afforded, and he is planning to unleash the heavy artillery. Established international stars rarely return to sevens, which is seen as the nursery for the 15-man game. But supporters in Dubai could be treated to a glimpse of some of the modern greats, with Joe Rokocoko, the sensational All Blacks winger, known to be a firm part of Tietjens' World Cup plans. Despite having a monopoly on the World Series, which they have won eight times out of nine, the Kiwis have won the World Cup only once in four attempts.
Fiji are the defending World Cup champions, and have also won the Melrose Cup in 1997 in Argentina. They have also been off the pace in the current series, but Waisale Serevi, their coach, will also be afforded a rare chance to pick overseas stars as well. William Ryder, the entertaining Japan-based winger, is certain to be part of the squad. pradley@thenational.ae