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New Zealand boss Gordon Tietjens has revealed he is preparing himself for the traditional tug-of-war with the Super 14 teams over releasing players for RWC 7s.

Tietjens is hoping for more success than four years ago as he delves into the crème de la crème of the home franchises. He has nominated up to five players at each of the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders that he is interested in and expects to hear results via the New Zealand Rugby Union next week.

This process caused some controversy in 2005 when stars Joe Rokocoko, Rico Gear and Caleb Ralph rejected the offer of appearing at the World Cup then hosted by Hong Kong.

Although he did render the services of Rudi Wulf, Josh Blackie and George Naoupu, the Kiwis ultimately lost out in the final 29-19 to Fiji.

"It will depend on what direction the player wants to go," Tietjens told NZPA.

"As an example, if Liam Messam feels that he's just cracked the All Blacks, he might want to really concentrate on Super 14 at that time of year and therefore not be considered.

"On the other hand he may say `I'm really keen to have a crack at the World Cup'.

"They may talk to their peers, their coaches, (All Blacks coach) Graham Henry. I'm not sure what the process is.

"All I've done is express an interest in these players and I'm just waiting for an answer."

For any player or franchise that agrees, Tietjens then has to assess their physical and mental state ahead of the rigorous sevens-specific training his team go through to acclimitise themsevles to the shortened version of the game. "I'd have to be quite confident that that player could make the transition to sevens in that short space of time.

"Some can and some can't and that's exactly what I face for the Commonwealth Games as well."

A contracted player would miss two or three early rounds of the Super 14.

The coaching guru will be keeping his fingers crossed that he can select the strongest possible squad for a decent assault on the World Cup, to be held in Dubai from March 5-7.