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NZ target Hong Kong jinx
27/03/2008 11:11 - (SA)
Hong Kong - Dominant New Zealand have promised to guard against complacency as they look to extend their record streak of match wins and end a seven-year title drought at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens.
New Zealand have swept all before them this season, winning in Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand and the United States and they sit atop the IRB Sevens World Series with a maximum 80 points, 32 clear of second-placed South Africa.
The hot favourites beat South Africa in the US last month to extend their winning streak to 36 matches, and victory here would all but wrap up their eighth series title in nine years.
But coach Gordon Tietjens is determined not to allow any let-up as New Zealand seek their first win in Hong Kong, jewel in the world Sevens series, since 2001.
Tietjens's charges will face the US, Tunisia and Taiwan in Pool A at the three-day tournament from Friday. He said taking the title here was crucial because the winner earns 30 points, the most on offer in any event.
"Even though we have won the first four tournaments, we cannot afford to be complacent and it is important that we continue to stay focused and continue that momentum," said Tietjens.
Hong Kong win
New Zealand reclaimed their world Sevens crown from Fiji last year in dramatic fashion when they won the last leg of the series in Edinburgh, their seventh victory since the series was created in 1999.
South Africa, who reached the semi-finals in Dubai and San Diego, are drawn in pool C alongside Argentina, Russia and Japan as they bid for their first Hong Kong win.
Coach Paul Treu said South Africa's current position in the standings showed their consistency and it would be "awesome to go out and win (the tournament) for the first time."
Defending champions Samoa, who beat Fiji 27-22 in last year's final in Hong Kong, currently lie fourth in the standings on 38 points.
Struggling Australia, ninth in the series, have selected dual international Andrew Walker, capped by Australia in both union and league.
Wallaby great David Campese, an assistant to head coach Bill Millard for the Hong Kong Sevens, said he was telling the players to let loose with some "fantasy rugby."
World record points
"You've got to understand where the gaps are and go and back yourself. Jonah Lomu started in Hong Kong, Christian Cullen started in Hong Kong. This is a breeding ground for international players," he added.
England, who had their bid for five straight Hong Kong titles halted by New Zealand last year, include world record points-scorer Ben Gollings. He has racked up 1 702 points in sevens.
"This group will give their all for the cause and although we go into this tournament as huge underdogs everyone here is determined to do the white shirt and the red rose justice," coach Ben Ryan said.
Hong Kong is the fifth leg of the world series and is followed by events in Australia, England and Scotland, the last leg from May 31-June 1.
Tickets have sold out for the three-day event, one of the biggest fixtures on Hong Kong's social calendar, which is a rowdy social occasion for the 40 000 people in the stadium - and many more in bars and clubs throughout the city.
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Rugby
