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The final squads have been declared for the NZI Sevens in Wellington, the third event on the IRB Sevens World Series. Played out in the carnival atmospherse of the Westpac Stadium, it yet again seems impossible to pick a clear winner from the wide range of strong sqauds.

With just two international events left before the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, the NZI Sevens and next weekend's USA Sevens are set up to provide the ultimate form guide ahead of the Sevens game's biggest showpiece event.

It’s been a whirlwind week for new Fiji coach Iliesa Tanivula since the sacking of Waisale Serevi last week. Fijian fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that a relatively young and experienced squad can kick start their campaign.

South Africa, victors in both Dubai and George late in 2008, make just one change from that successful side with flyer Howard Noble recalled and certainly deserve their tag as favorites. Hosts New Zealand will be hot on their heels though with the Westpac Stadium being a particularly happy hunting ground for Gordon Tietjen’s men in previous years.

Scotland have recalled several experienced players in a bid to improve on a disappointing start to the season, Mike Adamson, Andrew Turnbull, Richie Vernon, Colin Gregor and Roly Reid all welcomed back.

Only one member of the Australian squad - Willie Bishop - had played international Sevens prior to this season and coach Michael O'Connor drafts in two more new faces for the Wellington tournament - former rugby league player Shaun Foley and Brumbies academy player Henry Vanderglas.

“Vanderglas was picked on his performances in Darwin recently. He is a player that we have kept an eye on, so he is looking really good," said O'Connor.

“Foley showed in Darwin that he is a player that is suited to Sevens. He is a good ball runner, and he is someone that can really benefit from this Sevens programme."

Argentina recall former captain Lucio Lopez Fleming, England recall two former skippers in Ollie Phillips, who has recovered from the injury suffered in Dubai, and Andy Vilk. Although Samoa are missing captain captain Uale Mai and playmaker Lolo Lui, they head to Wellington in confident mood after a succesful start to 2009 taking out the recent Punta del Este and Darwin Sevens.

France arrived late into Wellington on Thursday morning but name their strongest side of the season, including two players to have impressed in the past, Rida Jahouer and Farid Sid, while crowd favourites Kenya welcome back another speedster Sidney Ashioya alongside Collins Injera, top try scorer in Dubai.

NZI Sevens - Wellington

Pool A:
(South Africa, Kenya, Scotland, Tonga)

Match 5: South Africa v Scotland, 14.28
Match 6: Kenya v Tonga, 14.50
Match 13: South Africa v Tonga, 17.24
Match 14: Kenya v Scotland, 17.46
Match 19: Scotland v Tonga, 19.36
Match 23: South Africa v Kenya, 21.34

Pool B:
(New Zealand, Australia, Wales, Niue)

Match 7: New Zealand v Wales, 15.12
Match 8: Australia v Niue, 15.34
Match 15: New Zealand v Niue, 18.08
Match 16: Australia v Wales, 18.30
Match 20: Wales v Niue, 19.58
Match 24: New Zealand v Australia, 21.56

Pool C:
(England, Argentina, France, Canada)

Match 1: England v France, 13.00
Match 2: Argentina v Canada, 13.22
Match 9: England v Canada, 15.56
Match 10: Argentina v France, 16.18
Match 17: France v Canada, 18.52
Match 21: England v Argentina, 20.50

Pool D:
(Fiji, Samoa, USA, Cook Islands)

Match 3: Fiji v United States, 13.44
Match 4: Samoa v Cook Islands, 14.06
Match 11: Fiji v Cook Islands, 16.40
Match 12: Samoa v United States, 17.02
Match 18: United States v Cook Islands, 19.14
Match 22: Fiji v Samoa, 21.12