It’s party time again!

The IRB Sevens most fun filled tournament kicks-off tomorrow as New Zealand’s capital city Wellington plays host for the third leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

I’m in town to give you all the coverage from the tournament and will once again be giving my Live Text Commentary from the stadium itself.

The NZI Sevens has once again falls over Waitangi weekend which means it’s a real holiday feeling as thousands travel to Wellington for the action for New Zealand’s favourite weekend!

Parade brings Welly together

I have just got back from the parade and it was pretty awesome sight to see the whole of Wellington out on the streets and out on their office balconies to wave to the teams, who were on floats. It’s got the place buzzing. Wellington seems the perfect Sevens place, not too big and not too small with the weekend’s tournament on everyone’s lips.

Now you may think that you have all seen some fancy-dress in your time at Sevens tournaments, but by all accounts Wellington’s extravaganza trumps all of them with literally 30,000 people all pulling a variety of costumes. I can’t wait to fill you guys in on what sights, shapes, and creations are set to be in and around the Cake-Tin.

It’s an event which has sometimes caused controversy with scantily clad characters, like Borat, sometimes denied entry by the fashion police. Someone who should be banned is Austin Powers!

Yes I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him on the float with the England boys earlier. He’s the guy who gets the crowd going at Dubai, and he’s done such a good job he’s been drafted in by the NZI Sevens! I find him a tad irritating if I’m honest but he still seems to be a hit!

Imagine waking up in the morning and deciding that I’m to make a living out of pretending to be Agent Powers. Fair play he seems to be doing ok out of it!

All this was a far cry from my journey down to New Zealand from the UK.

I had the pleasure of 30 hours of travelling with what seemed an army of 65+ OAPs on my flight, who surprisingly were not headed to the Sevens but on some tour around the North Island. I actually sat next to the former British Lions and Wales legend Neil Jenkins’ next door neighbour, Tenuous yes, but I nonetheless enjoyed hearing some stories about the The Ginger Monster / Jenks / Jinks / Wingnut.

Hosts dodgy music

I’m staying in the team hotel and am certainly enjoying plouging into the vast array of food on offer for the players meals. Don’t think it’s strictly for me but haven’t been busted, yet. The sushi was to die for last night if you’re asking.

By bumping into various coaches and players you learn how much they are looking forward to getting into the cauldron atmosphere. What an experience for some of the youngsters playing who might only play in front a handful of spectators back home on a weekend?

The Kiwi boys are on my corridor, and the Series leaders might be heavy favourites but their taste in music is debatable. Some odd dovetail of African/Caribbean/Samba electro-hardcore beats seems to do it for them. Coach Gordon Tietjens won’t care what they listen to though it they come up with the goods on the pitch this weekend.

There is a heavy burden on his shoulders to come up with the win in front of the home fans who were heartbroken to lose out to England in the final seconds last year.

So who can challenge them? Fiji will be up there and Samoa traditionally do pretty well here so they will be there or thereabouts. Englandhave only two starters form last year's final but are brimming full of gas and South Africa are committed to really kick-starting their campaign, with the reigning IRB champions currently languishing in eight position.

I’m expecting a good weekend for Argentina too especially with Santiago Gomez Cora back in the mix.

Dark horses for the event? USA have prepared well and got some steely experience back in their squad, so watch out for them. Wales/South Africa could be a key game too in Pool A, with the winner probably joining New Zealand in the Cup knockouts. Can the Welsh use pace man Alex Cuthbert well enough to exploit the lack of speed in Paul Treu’s team?

Make sure you log into UR7s throughout the weekend to follow what is sure to be a dramatic denouement come Saturday night. I've got that tingly Sevens feeling again.