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New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens is a step closer to deciding on his team for the Wellington leg of the International Rugby Board sevens rugby series, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Tietjens today named a trial squad containing 24 players to attend a camp starting in Mt Maunganui on Monday.

He will name his side on January 22 for the Wellington tournament on February 6-7.

Seven’s sensation Nigel Hunt and Solomon King were not considered for the trial due to injury.

New Zealand, the reigning series champions, will look to use the Wellington tournament to jump-start their title defence. Australia, Wales and Niue stand in their way in the pool stages.

The opening two tournaments of the season have been won by South Africa, who lead the series on 40 points, followed by New Zealand on 28, with England and Fiji tied for third on 24.

New Zealand trial squad: Kurt Baker (Manawatu), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Edwin Cocker (Auckland), Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty), DJ Forbes (Counties-Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Luke Hamilton (North Harbour), Joe Hill (Wellington), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Lance McDonald (Bay of Plenty), Tim Nainai Williams (Counties-Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Malakai Ravulo (North Harbour), Willie Rickards (Southland), Peter Saili (Auckland), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Sounes (Taranaki), Hayden Steed (Counties-Manukau), Tutu Tairea (Auckland), Save Tokula (Waikato), Chad Tuhoro (Counties-Manukau), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Tu Umaga Marshall (Wellington), Viliame Waqaseduadua (North Harbour).