The Taranaki halfback Marty McKenzie has been added to the New Zealand men's rugby sevens squad named for the IRB World Series tournaments in Tokyo and Hong Kong over the next fortnight.
Sam Dickson returns after suspension, while veteran forward Lote Raikabula has failed to make the squad.
Coach Gordon Tietjens says with veteran Tomasi Cama out through injury it was important to introduce another halfback like McKenzie.
New Zealand has a two-point lead over South Africa with four tournaments to play.
Squad for Sevens World Series in Tokyo (22, 23 March) and Hong Kong (28-30 March): Scott Curry (Manawatu), Ambrose Curtis (Wellington), Sam Dickson (Canterbury), DJ Forbes (captain, Counties Manukau), Bryce Heem (Tasman), Gillies Kaka (Hawke's Bay), Akira Ioane (Auckland), Ben Lam (Auckland), Marty McKenzie (Taranaki), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau), George Tilsley (Manawatu)
