Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 winner Honey Hireme returns to the New Zealand squad for the Atlanta Sevens after a 10-month absence.

Hireme last played on the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series in China in April 2014 and New Zealand coach Sean Horan said it was pleasing to have a player of her calibre back.

“She has put in a lot of hard work and is committed to our approach. Honey delivers more fire power in the forwards which is something we were lacking a little. It’s great to welcome her back,” he said.

Hireme’s return is one of four changes to the squad that won in Sao Paulo last time out. She will be joined in Atlanta by fellow World Cup winner Alexis Tapsell while Morgan Morrow and Michaela Blyde are also back from injury.

New Zealand lead the series standings in 2014-15 after beating Australia in the Dubai and Sao Paulo finals. They will face hosts USA, Russia and South Africa in Pool A at the Fifth-Third Bank Stadium on 14 March.

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“The game we’re playing now is technically and tactically getting better. We’re looking after the ball better, our defensive structures are getting stronger and we're exposing the spaces. I'm pleased about where we’re heading,” said Horan, who once again expects Australia to be their biggest threat in Atlanta.

“They’re (Australia) definitely right on our heels, but also the likes of Canada, USA, France, England and Russia are all improving. The pressure’s coming on and you can see just how the game is progressing which is good. There are no easy games. Everybody brings their ‘A game’ against us and we have to learn to deal with that and focus on what we do well.”

New Zealand squad: Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Sarah Goss (captain), Honey Hireme, Kayla McAlister, Morgan Morrow, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Alexis Tapsell, Hazel Tubic, Ruby Tui, Selica Winiata, Portia Woodman  

South Africa widen the net

Former provincial netball player Sunelle Barnard will make her Springbok Women's Sevens debut in Atlanta, while Zaandre Theron returns to the squad for the first time since the 2012-13 season. The addition of Sinazo Nobele is the only other change to the squad that finished 12th in Sao Paulo.

They replace Lorinda Brown, who earns a break as part of a rotational switch, and the injured Shona-Leah Weston (ankle) and Veroeshka Grain (knee).

Barnard, who placed her teaching career on hold to join the squad, has been training with the Springbok Women's team since January.

Theron, meanwhile, started training with the squad two weeks ago on a trial basis, but she immediately impressed coach Renfred Dazel. Her array of talents aside, she participated in the World Series tournaments in Houston and Amsterdam in 2013. 

“I am happy for Sunelle and Zaandre,” said Dazel. “Sunelle comes from a netball background but she has made a concerted effort since January to make her mark in sevens. She is a physical player and she will add grunt among the forwards. Her patience in terms of working her way into the squad also impressed me, and hopefully she can transfer that onto the field.

“Zaandre on the other hand has played sevens rugby before at this level, so she knows exactly what to expect on tour. Her fitness aside, she is also a seasoned sports woman having represented SA in netball and softball at under-19 and under-21 level, as well as being selected for the touch rugby national side, which will be invaluable from a mental perspective on tour. Among her main strengths are her ability to spot holes in the defence and exploit space.

“I am excited to see what both players could offer on tour.”    

South Africa squad: Sunelle Barnard, Siviwe Basweni, Phumeza Gadu, Rachelle Geldenhuys, Nosiphiwo Goda, Zenay Jordaan (captain), Jacqueline Kriel, Sinazo Nobele, Fundiswa Plaatjie, Marithy Pienaar, Mathrin Simmers, Zaandre Theron.

USA hope for home comforts

Bui Baravilala and debutant Kate Zackary are the only changes to the USA squad for the Atlanta Sevens, as the Women’s Eagles look to profit from home field advantage on the third stop of the 2014-15 World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.

The Eagles won the Plate at the Atlanta Sevens in 2014, beating China, England, and Spain in the process. This year they have been drawn alongside familiar foes in New Zealand, Russia and South Africa in Pool A.

“For us, going to Atlanta is excellent. We were treated like royalty there – now hopefully we’ll do better than we did last year. I think we’re very capable of it,” said Suggitt.

Currently in sixth in the series following a seventh place finish in Dubai and a loss in the São Paulo Plate final, Suggitt’s side are eyeing one of the four spots that would guarantee their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, though the NACRA Sevens regional qualifier in North Carolina in June will offer them a second opportunity to qualify.

Meanwhile, Suggitt is mindful not to expect too much too soon from 24-year-old speedster Baravilala, who makes her return to the programme for the first time since the Amsterdam Sevens in 2013.

“We know that she’s not anywhere near where she’s going to be in a year’s time,” he admitted. “When she was at her best when she was playing early for us, I honestly believed she was one of the top three players in the world.

“Everyone knows of her potential, of her physical attributes. What we’re really hoping now is she finds that joy and passion in the game and brings it back.”

USA squad: Megan Bonny, Kelly Griffin (captain), Kathryn Johnson, Bui Baravilala, Jessica Javelet, Kristen Thomas, Victoria Folayan, Alev Kelter, Hannah Lopez, Kate Zackary, Joanne Fa'avesi, Lauren Doyle.