New Zealand coach Sean Horan has selected a largely experienced team for the second round of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, in Brazil, the home of next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Kayla McAlister’s scintillating form at the National Sevens in Rotorua has seen the former Women’s Sevens Player of the Year included in the 12-strong line-up for the São Paulo event.

McAlister’s 12 tries for Auckland confirmed she is over the injury problems that have kept her sidelined since mid-2014.

Meanwhile, Injuries to Honey Hireme, Carla Hohepa and Alexis Tapsell have opened the door for Auckland’s Charlotte Scanlan, who was named for the first time in the contracted squad last week.  She played in her first World Series tournament in Dubai last year.

Being in Brazil will make the Olympic dream feel even closer to reality for the players involved next weekend. However Horan says New Zealand must not look beyond their pool matches against USA, Spain and France.

“We all know what the goal is. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves, and our focus has to be on performing this year, and earning qualification,” he said.

“We know that other countries will continue to get better – and we can’t be complacent – we have to work and play hard in every game and every tournament.”

New Zealand:
Charlotte Scanlan, Kelly Brazier, Gayle Broughton, Sarah Goss, Kayla McAlister, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Kat Whata-Simpkins, Hazel Tubic, Ruby Tui, Jordon Webber, Selica Winiata, Portia Woodman    

Eagles receive injury boost

Leading light Victoria Folayan has been passed fit for the Brazil tournament as the USA set out to improve upon their seventh place finish in Dubai.

Winger Folayan picked up an injury on her way to scoring seven tries in five matches in the series’ opening tournament, but she has recovered in time to be named in Ric Suggitt’s 12-strong squad.

Despite turning 30 in May, Folayan is still one of the fastest players on the series and her presence in São Paulo will help the Eagles to fulfil their promise of playing at pace.

“The main changes we’ve made were based around speed and the speed of sevens,” said Suggitt, who has called up Kristen Thomas and Dana Meschisi as two changes to the squad from Dubai.

Thomas, a student at University of Central Florida, travels with the Women’s Eagles for the first time in her career, while Meschisi makes her first appearance on the circuit this season.

“Dana’s been practicing really well and so has Kristen when she’s come in, and they’re both pretty quick,” added Suggitt, now in his fifth year in charge of the team.

As well as Folayan, Thomas and Meschini, Lauren Doyle and Jessica Javelet will also bring pace to Suggitt’s side, while Kelly Griffin will captain the squad in Brazil.

USA preparations for the tournament included training run-outs against Ireland and Canada at the Olympic Training Center in California.

“We were trying to get ready so the girls aren’t shocked with the energy systems and how fatigued you might get just from being in a final,” Suggitt said.

“Ireland and Canada are all over that, especially Canada; they’ve been in finals and know what it’s like. That put us under immense pressure.”

The Women's Eagles have only reached one Cup final in 10 attempts since the series began in 2012-13. Last year, the Eagles defeated the host nation Brazil in São Paulo to win the Bowl.

USA squad: Kathryn Johnson, Kelly Griffin (captain), Megan Bonny, Hannah Lopez, Jessica Javelet, Lauren Doyle, Victoria Folayan, Alev Kelter, Joanne Fa'avesi, Dana Meschisi, Melissa Fowler, Kristen Thomas