26 Feb 2009

Constant turnover part and parcel of sevens says Tietjens

3:51 pm on 26 February 2009

New Zealand rugby sevens coach Gordon Tietjens says losing two thirds of his champion side from last year is the reason for their slow start to this year's series.

The national sevens side leaves for the Dubai world championships this afternoon and Tietjens says having eight new players come into a squad of 12 means they're still blooding the newcomers at events like the last round in San Diego.

Tietjens says it's a huge ask and it's about consistency rather than winning every tournament.

New Zealand won a world series only winning one round and it's so close now - one missed tackle can cost a tournament.

The women's sevens side is also travelling to Dubai to take part in the inaugural women's World Cup.