5 Apr 2017

Sport: NZ wary of Fiji threat at Hong Kong

8:47 am on 5 April 2017

New Zealand Sevens coach Scott Waldrom says his team is fully aware of the challenge Fiji pose at this weekend's Hong Kong tournament.

The two old rivals are in the same pool, alongside Wales and Japan.

Waldrom said Wales were a side with speed and a huge work-rate while Japan would gain an insight into the Kiwi camp, having former New Zealand assistant coach and player Damian Karauna at the helm.

Could Scott Waldrom be a late inclusion in the race to be the New Zealand Sevens coach?

Waldrom is expecting a Fiji at the peak of its powers in Hong Kong Photo: PHOTOSPORT

However, Waldrom said Fiji could well be the team to beat at the tournament.

"Fiji has just been on fire the last few years," he said.

"They love being in Hong Kong, that's why they are the team that has won the most tournaments in Hong Kong.

"They get up for it and they love being here," Waldrom said.

Fiji go into the tournament lying in third place on the World Series table on 100 points with New Zealand 16 points back in fourth place.

Fiji beat New Zealand at Las Vegas Sevens 2017.

Fiji beat NZ 19-14 when they last met, in the Las Vegas Sevens semi-finals. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

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