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Sixteen of New Zealand’s best sides will take to the field tomorrow in Queenstown for the annual National Sevens competition.

The two-day event (9-10 Jan) will see the return of 2009 champions North Harbour to defend their title at the Recreation Ground. Along with the North Harbour, the likes of Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Waikato are the major contenders for the title.

Members of Gordon Tietjen’s New Zealand Sevens squad, who have made a storming start to the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series, will be on show at the weekend representing their respective provinces.

The only major side missing from the competition is Canterbury with the union reportedly pulling out due to financial constraints.

North Harbour face a battle in Pool A on day one of the competition facing Auckland, Otago, and the unfancied Buller. North Harbour’s major threat is once again expected to come from the talented Nafi Tuitavake but are missing some crucial players form last year’s win.

Chad Tuoro, who was part of that Harbour side, will now meet his old side playing in the colours of Auckland and along with fellow International Edwin Cocker can expect to forge a formidable outfit.

Auckland have been dominant at this event in recent times, winners from 2005-2008.

Otago will be led by Paul Grant, who has been a regular for Tietjens on the IRB Sevens circuit over the last couple of seasons.

Bay of Plenty head into Queenstown with confidence after a big win at the Mt Maunganui Sevens last weekend. They face second seeds Counties Manukau, their opponents from last weekend’s final, again on Saturday in pool play, but can expect a far tougher test.

This season’s leading try-scorer on this season’s IRB Sevens, flyer Sherwin Stowers, is included for Counties along with Kaino Kaino, Tony Pulu, and led by Siosi Tuatau. Bay’s Zar Lawrence and Toby Arnold are crucial in their bid for their first ever title. Horowhenua/Kapiti and South Canterbury make up the rest of Pool B.

Waikato lead Pool C with veteran Sevens international Tim Mikkleson skippering the side backed up by Save Tokula – a try-scorer in the IRB Cup Final in George last month.

A Ben Souness inspired Taranaki will push Waikato all the way with Southland and Tasman no pushovers either.
Manawatu head the pack in Pool D coached by Paul Claridge but will face a powerful looking Wellington side.
Wellington can include the likes of Buxton Popoalii and Julian Savea who could be the game-breakers coach Adam Campbell will require to lift the trophy. Northland and Hawkes Bay make up the rest of the group.

The tournament is promoted by Sevens with Altitude, working in association with the Otago Rugby Football Union and the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Clark Frew, chairman of Sevens with Altitude, promises an entertaining couple of days with a unique Queenstown flavour.

"Rugby sevens is a game of pace, character and taking an opportunity, which I believe reflects the region," he said.

The tournament was first held in Auckland in 1975. Since then it has been held at Christchurch, Blenheim, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Feilding, Pukekohe, Rotorua and since 2004 it has been held at the Queenstown Recreation Ground, which is usually the home of the Wakatipu Rugby Club.

2010 National Sevens Pools (+Ranking)

A

North Harbour (1)
Auckland (8)
Otago (9)
Buller (16)

B
Counties Manukau (2)
Bay of Plenty (7)
Horowhenua/Kapiti (10)
South Canterbury (15)

C
Waikato (3)
Taranaki (6)
Southland (11)
Tasman (14)

D
Manawatu (4)
Wellington (5)
Northland (12)
Hawkes Bay (13)