Preview: World Series, Round Five
It has become a familiar refrain, a cliché. However, it will never be boring, as the Olympic dream is as much a driving force as overall victory in the Sevens World Series.
New Zealand, who recorded their first Cup win of the season by beating England in the Final in Wellington last week, gave notice yet again of their class and determination to be among the top four (automatic qualifiers) when the Olympic dream is realised in May.
Many had put a question mark on whether the All Blacks would be able to defend their title in Wellington, especially after the late withdrawal of former Sevens player of the year Tim Mikkelson, and the result even exceeded coach Gordon Tietjens' expectations.
But the hosts beat Australia, South Africa and England - three of the top five sides in the rankings - to defend their title, winning a fourth home Cup in five years, and move themselves into second in the series.
"It was an outstanding performance, but it exceeded my expectations by a long way," said Tietjens.
"To see the youngsters get up, especially after losing Tim Mikkelson and DJ Forbes, with those big engines and put points on the board when it mattered was particularly pleasing.
"I always have confidence in the players I select, but for me it was whether the younger players could handle the pressure to win a tournament at home. That is the challenge, but they did it and handled it first crack."
New Zealand's rise to second in the series means they are firmly in the mix to qualify for Rio, but also only seven points behind South Africa as they hunt for a 14th World Series title as they head into Round Five in Las Vegas.
"We certainly want to qualify, that is first and foremost, we have got to qualify for the Olympics," added Tietjens.
"To be in the top four to go to the Olympics, that is our dream.
"If we can win the world series, if we get there or there about in the tournaments, the points will take care of themselves.
"I was surprised with this win, with five new young players it was a big ask certainly when you look at the form of South Africa and Fiji and there were some good teams and players in Wellington.
"In some ways I wasn't expecting too much but I certainly wanted to hit the Cup competition and go from there.
"The result has come at the right time though and puts us back on track for the World Series going into Round Five in Las Vegas."
* Meanwhile there has been a number of changes to the teams for the Las Vegas leg.
ENGLAND:
Alex Davis has been called into Simon Amor's side after Marcus Watson who was injured in Wellington. Jack Walsh has also travelled to the United States as England monitor Tom Bowen's fitness.
England finished as runners-up to hosts New Zealand after losing the final 21-27, a result which puts them just two points outside of the top four behind Australia in the hunt for Olympic qualification.
"We're extremely pleased with the heart and spirit that the guys showed in Wellington and we're looking to build on that," said Amor.
"It's disappointing to lose Marcus, but the injuries we've had have provided other players with the opportunity to come in and impress."
NEW ZEALAND:
DJ Forbes joins Tim Mikkelson on the absentee list for the All Blacks Sevens for round five of the Sevens World Series in Las Vegas.
The New Zealand captain was injured in the Cup quarter final with Australia at the Westpac Stadium and has been replaced by Lote Raikabula who is set to appear in his 61st series event, while Scott Curry will captain the side.
SOUTH AFRICA:
Current series leaders South Africa also make one change with Rosko Speckman replacing Justin Geduld who suffered a hamstring injury on day of the Sevens Wellington.
The BlitzBokke lead the series after finishing third by beating Scotland in the play-off having lost twice over the two days - to France in their opening pool match and New Zealand in the Cup semi finals - with New Zealand just seven points behind.
"We were not as sharp and probably not as mentally focused as we would have liked to be on the first day in Wellington," said head coach Neil Powell.
"We did much better on the Saturday and I am glad we finished the tournament with a good win against Scotland in the third place play-off."
AUSTRALIA:
Australia, who sit fourth in the world series just two points ahead of England, have also announced their squad with Geraint John naming an unchanged side for the tournament at the Sam Boyd Stadium.
"It's a busy week, but one that is exciting and that we are relishing," said John. "We're all keen to get back on the field to address the mistakes that cost us in Wellington last weekend."
ARGENTINA:
Santiago Gomez Cora makes three changes to the side, with Santiago Cordero, Ramiro Moyano and Javier Rojas all called up to the Pampas XV and replaced by Franco Sabato, Francisco Merello and Joaquin Diaz Bonilla. Rojas was the top tackler at the Sevens Wellington and is the joint leading tackler for the series with 77 alongside South Africa's Werner Kok.
"The three of us are eager to add to the team," said Sabato. "We know each other well so hopefully it won't be too difficult. "Personally I am proud to be part of this team and play on the international sevens circuit."
Argentina are sixth in the overall standings on 47 points, just 11 behind Australia in fourth with an eye on Olympic qualification.
Pools:
Pool A: New Zealand, Fiji, Wales, Samoa
Pool B: England, Kenya, Argentina, Canada
Pool C: South Africa, United States, Portugal, Japan
Pool D: Scotland, Australia, France, Brazil
Schedule - Day One & Day Two:
(Kick-off is local time - GMT minus eight hours)
Friday, February 13
South Africa v Portugal (16.00)
United States v Japan (16.22)
New Zealand v Wales (16.44)
Fiji v Samoa (17.06)
England v Argentina (17.28)
Kenya v Canada (17.50)
Scotland v France (18.12)
Australia v Brazil (18.34)
South Africa v Japan (18.56)
United States v Portugal (19.18)
New Zealand v Samoa
Fiji v Wales (20.02)
England v Canada (20.24_
Kenya v Argentina (20.46)
Scotland v Brazil (21.08)
Australia v France (21.30)
Saturday, February 14
Portugal v Japan (11.08)
Wales v Samoa (11.30)
Argentina v Canada (11.52)
France v Brazil (12.14)
South Africa v United States (12.40)
New Zealand v Fiji (13.05)
England v Kenya (13.30)
Scotland v Australia (13.52)
Bowl quarterfinals (15.46, 16.08, 16.30 & 16.52)
Cup quarterfinals (17.14, 17.36, 17.58 & 18.20)
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