Braxton Sorenson-McGee scores a try for the Black Ferns. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Black Ferns superstar Braxton Sorensen McGee will become a dual international at the Dubai Sevens, with a familiar face alongside her.
McGee has lit up the 15-a-side code in her professional debut year, winning a Super Rugby Aupiki title and starring in an unsuccessful World Cup bid with the NZ women.
She will now debut in the Black Ferns Sevens jersey, with another teenage sensation and childhood friend, Danii Mafoe, also playing in her first tournament.
"I was injury cover in LA last season, but this is my proper first season with the team," Mafoe, 19, said. "I'm still coming to terms with being here and knowing that I get to run out in a black jersey.
"I think I'm still buzzing out at that."
Mafoe has enjoyed a similar trajectory to Sorensen-McGee in their first year out of high school, where they both made several age grade sides.
"I started my rugby journey the same as Braxton in high school," she said. "We both started as league players, but converted to rugby union and, from there, went to play for the Auckland Storm in our last year of school.
"We also got picked up for the Blues and I've made my way to sevens now."
Auckland Storm's Danii Mafoe in action against Counties Manukau. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Mafoe said the UAE reunion had been special.
"It's been unreal, having her here, having a little familiar face. She's been an unreal talent in the team.
"Her skill that she brings to the team, as well as her young energy, it made such an impact on the team, both onfield and off-field."
As both Olympic and world series champions, Mafoe admitted the Black Ferns Sevens felt the weight of expectation.
"There is definitely that pressure, but I think it's been a focus that we just look at ourselves and ground ourselves," she said. "This is the start of the world series and, while those accolades have been made, it's all starting over again.
"We need to keep going."
Also a quality 15s player, Mafoe said her future may lie in either game.
"For now, the sevens journey is somewhere where my heart is, but I still have a lot of love for the 15s code."
Another first for the Ferns this weekend will be the official trial of size 4.5 balls, slightly smaller than the standard, a move criticised by some players.
"We had our first time using the smaller balls," Mafoe said. "It was definitely different.
"I think that my team-mates take it more as an ego thing. I don't think really anyone noticed a difference, until it was said.
"I can't speak on behalf of the team, but I feel like, for me and gripwise, the 4.5 size ball is good."
After a series win last season, Mafoe said the Black Ferns Sevens won't complicate the formula.
"Be simple, but be strong in what we do," she said. "Whether a right or wrong, just being strong in our minds and just committing."
The Black Ferns Sevens kick off their campaign against France just before 8pm Saturday NZT, while the men meet Great Britain at 9.26pm.
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