All Blacks Sevens team named for HSBC Sydney Sevens
All Blacks Sevens Coach Clark Laidlaw has named his team for the Sydney leg of the HSBC Men’s Sevens Series.
The team is (* indicates debut);
1. Scott Curry
2. Tim Mikkelson
3. Teddy Stanaway
4. Joe Ravouvou
5. Luke Masirewa
6. Vilimoni Koroi
7. Sam Dickson
8. Andrew Knewstubb
9. Regan Ware
10. Kurt Baker
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo*
12. Sione Molia
13. Caleb Clarke*
The team arrived in Sydney on Sunday to begin preparation for the tournament.
“We face a big challenge in Russia, Samoa and Fiji in pool stages, so this week has been about making sure our preparation is right heading into Friday,” said Laidlaw.
Counties Manukau’s Etene Nanai-Seturo is set to make his All Blacks Sevens debut this weekend, while Luke Masirewa returns after last appearing on the Sevens Series in 2013. 18-year-old Caleb Clarke has been named as the 13th man and will be brought into the playing 12 if required as injury cover.
“Etene, Luke and Caleb have been great in our environment and will add a lot to our game.
“Etene is a young player with huge potential, and he is enjoying his rugby. It’s exciting for him and his family to get this opportunity in Sydney.
“Luke has worked hard to get back to this point and we know he’ll continue that when he gets on the field on Friday.
“Caleb has impressed us since coming into camp, and should he get out there it will be a great opportunity for him,” said Laidlaw.
Friday 26 January
9.50pm NZT v Russia
Saturday 27 January
6.31pm NZT v Samoa
9.42pm NZT v Fiji
Sunday 28 January – Finals Day
Watch Sydney Sevens on SKY Sport
Coverage will be broadcast on SKY Sport Pop Up 1 & 2
World Rugby HSBC Men’s Sevens Series tournaments
2017/2018 Schedule
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 1-2 December, Dubai – RUNNERS UP
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 9-10 December, Cape Town – WINNERS
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 26-28 January, Sydney
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 3-4 February, Hamilton
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 2-4 March, Las Vegas
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 10-11 March, Vancouver
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 6-8 April, Hong Kong
Commonwealth Games, 13-15 April, Gold Coast
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 28-29 April, Singapore
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 2-3 June, London
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, 8-10 June, Paris
Rugby World Cup Sevens, 20-22 July, San Francisco
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