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New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has finalised his squad ahead of this weekend’s NZI Sevens in Wellington (5-6 Feb), the third leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

The hosts have opted for a highly experienced squad which will also travel to Las Vegas the following weekend for the next round, the USA Sevens (13-14 Feb).

Tietjens has selected just one debutant into the side, 21-year-old Fritz Lee from Counties Manukau, who joins provincial teammates DJ Forbes and Sherwin Stowers in the side.

Tim Mikkelson and Nafi Tuitavakae, who also impressed at the NZ Nationals in Queenstown, also make welcome returns to the squad. Experienced Bay of Plenty player Solomon King was not considered because of injury.

Onosai Auva'a, Toby Arnold, Buxton Popoalii drop out of the 12-man squad that won the first two legs of the World Series in Dubai and George.

“The squad has trained very well over the last few days and a lot of players put up their hands for selection. I have picked an experienced side and hopefully the team can continue with the great start they have had to the Series,” Tietjens said.

“It’s always great to play at home and Wellington is a pretty special tournament. The players know there is a little more pressure and expectation than usual, but they want to get out there and really turn it on for the home crowd,” added Tietjens.

The Kiwis face South Africa, Wales, and Niue in Pool A on day 1 of the event. New Zealand currently leads the IRB Sevens World Series with 48 points, with Fiji close behind with 36.

Click here for UR7s' interview with Sherwin Stowers

Check out UR7s' exclusive feature with New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens later this week, as the build-up to the NZI Sevens in Welllington continues.

New Zealand Sevens team for NZI Sevens:

Kurt Baker (Taranaki), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago)
Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Fritz Lee* (Counties Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour)
Save Tokula (Waikato)