All Blacks name Sevens squad for Commonwealth Games

New Zealand have named an experienced Sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games.
The All Blacks will be led once again by DJ Forbes but there is no room in the 12-man squad for veterans Lote Raikabula and Tomasi Cama although they will travel to the Netherlands with the squad for a pre-Games training camp.
Sherwin Stowers and Tim Mikkelson, who won gold in Delhi in 2010 alongside Forbes, will add more experience to the side while Blues centre Pita Ahki is the only Super Rugby player included in the squad.
Head coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said: ”It’s a strong squad and the majority of the players played in the World Series and played exceptionally well.
“Pita Ahki is a very good sevens player and excelled for the Blues this year and performed very well in the recent trials.
“There is some experience there in a team which will be well led by DJ Forbes. You need those players and among them there are new younger players at their Commonwealth Games who will feel the pressure and it is different pressure at a Games.
“To win, it’s all about consistency. It’s being accurate when you need to be, strong defense and dominating possession. If we can play consistently well, and having a strong bench will help, then that plays a big hand in being successful.
“Winning a gold medal at a Commonwealth Games is very special. There is nothing better than seeing a player being presented with a gold medal and listening to the anthem. I am confident if these guys can perform to the best of their ability and be on top of their game we can go very well.”
All Blacks Sevens: Pita Ahki (North Harbour), Scott Curry (Manawatu), Sam Dickson (Canterbury), DJ Forbes, captain (Counties Manukau), Bryce Heem (Tasman), Akira Ioane (Auckland), Gillies Kaka (Hawke’s Bay), Ben Lam (Auckland), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Declan O’Donnell (Waikato), Sherwin Stowers (Counties Manukau), Joe Webber (Waikato).