Sevens Wellington is shaping up for a sensational holiday weekend in New Zealand with round four of the HSBC Sevens World Series set to be another scintillating display of rugby sevens.

The hosts and defending champions New Zealand come into the tournament third in the overall standings behind South Africa and Fiji, and the late withdrawal of Tim Mikkelson through injury has made a tough tournament even tougher, according to head coach Gordon Tietjens.

"It's the toughest tournament to win for us, there is all that added extra pressure," said Tietjens. "South Africa had it in Port Elizabeth, and we had it here last year when we won it.

"It is certainly pleasing from a support point of view, but there is that added pressure not only to perform but everyone wants a bit of the team on the field.

"If you'd asked me which player I would dread to lose during or leading into a tournament it would be Tim Mikkelson, just an outstanding individual and outstanding player, I really feel for him. In saying that it can happen, but it provides another player with an opportunity."

That player is Murphy Taramai, but Tietjens has also named four debutants, all of whom impressed him at the national sevens tournament in New Zealand

"I have four new players and this is an exciting opportunity for them. I suppose the real enjoyment factor is playing in front of your friends, family and your home country.

"The fans are always there, it is what you want and the players run out to a huge ovation, which makes it a very special tournament. You want to be playing in front of the people that matter, and they will be there this weekend. We have seen so many young stars start here like Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu and I think some of these guys will begin their exciting careers this weekend."

OLYMPIC DREAM FOR ALL INVOLVED IN NEW ZEALAND

Third in the standings and a 13th World Series title is on the agenda for Gordon Tietjens as they search for their first Cup title of the season, a season which also doubles up as an Olympic qualifier - an interesting prospect for all involved.

"Our aim is obviously still to win a 13th World Series," added Tietjens.

"We know it is going to be tough as you always have to start well and we would have liked to have started a bit better. But we are not far off and a good performance here backed up in Vegas will put us right back in the reckoning.

"In amongst that we want to be in the top four, that is huge for us, because qualification for the Olympics is very much on the agenda for us. Each one of our players dreams of being there and this is their real opportunity.

"They have an opportunity ahead of the others expressing their interest to be involved in the Olympics. I have expressed an interest in the current All Blacks, but I have put a number of tourmaments next to their name if they are interested to be involved in the series. Once I get those answers there will be players involved in four, players involved in six tournaments next season."

SEVENS ACTION TO REACH NEW LEVELS IN WELLINGTON

Sevens Wellington General Manager Steve Dunbar said he expects the action on the field to crank up a notch with valuable qualifying points up for grabs. Teams are vying for a top four placing in the HSBC World Series to automatically qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“The teams’ Olympic hopes are on the line. We want Wellington fans to come along to show their support for all the teams and enjoy a great Waitangi Day weekend.
 
“It’s the only time all year the All Blacks Sevens get to play in front of a home crowd so it’s a very special tournament for the team and fans. Currently they are third on the table behind South Africa and Fiji and they’ll be keen to move up the table in Wellington.”