All Blacks Sevens wary of ‘challenging pool’ in London

The All Blacks Sevens clinched their 14^th World Series crown in Toulouse last weekend, but the season isn’t over just yet.

There’s still one more event to play on this season’s circuit – at one of the most famous stadiums in international rugby, nonetheless.

Ahead of the final World Series leg at the esteemed London Sevens at Twickenham, the All Blacks Sevens have confirmed the sole change to their squad.

Moses Leo has been ruled out of the tournament with a back injury, and has been replaced by rising star Xavier Tito-Harris.

While it’s not a change to the playing squad, there has been a notable change to the coaching staff.

Head coach Clark Laidlaw has joined the New Zealand Under-20s team, so All Blacks Sevens assistant coach Tomasi Cama will take up the top job this weekend.

Cama, who is an All Blacks Sevens legend, said the team is focused on “finishing on a high in London.”

“It has been pleasing to achieve our goal we set at the start of the season, to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and to win the World Series,” Cama said.

“It is reward for the work that a lot of our people do behind the scenes to allow us to be consistent through the year after a slow start to the season.

“We know it will be no easy task this weekend with a challenging pool, but we are looking to finishing on a high here in London.”

The All Blacks Sevens have won five Cup finals this season, including an incredible golden-point over World Series heavyweights Argentina in Toulouse.

But the focus is now on the event at Twickenham, and New Zealand will have to overcome the pool of death if they want to clinch their sixth title of the campaign.

New Zealand will play the United States at 10.29pm NZST on Saturday, before facing Great Britain and rivals South Africa early on Sunday morning.

All Blacks Sevens squad for London

Scott Curry

Brady Rush

Akuila Rokolisoa

Dylan Collier (vc)

Sam Dickson (c)

Leroy Carter

Che Clark

Tepaea Cook-Savage

Sione Molia (vc)

Tim Mikkelson

Xavier Tito-Harris

Roderick Solo

Regan Ware