Return of Curry a boost for Kiwi team
New Zealand Sevens captain Scott Curry has recovered from his concussion to link up with the team for this weekend’s next stop on the World Series, in Vancouver, Canada.
Curry missed last week’s tournament in Las Vegas, where New Zealand finished fourth, as a precaution after a head knock he took at the Sydney Sevens.
Coach Scott Waldrom was pleased to have his captain back on deck for the tournament, which starts today.
‘‘It’s great that Scott has fully recovered from his concussion and is all clear to start this weekend. His leadership, aerial skills and speed up front will be welcomed back,’’ he said..
The other change from the Las Vegas team was Ambrose Curtis, promoted back to the main squad after a strong showing as an injury replacement last week.
Andrew Knewstubb drops to 13th man, while Tone Ng Shiu is the travelling reserve.
‘‘Ambrose has earned his spot in the starting 12. He brings experience from previously playing for the All Blacks Sevens,’’ Waldrom said.
New Zealand have yet to win a stop on the 2016/17 series.
They have made it to the semifinals in three of the five stops so far, but not made it to the finals.
‘‘I’m looking for the team to step up and play with improved discipline,’’ Waldrom said.
‘‘Again in Las Vegas we showed glimpses of the squad we can be, but we let ourselves down in the games that mattered with simple errors.
‘‘To move past the semifinals
and take out a tournament we need to play without mistakes in every game.’’
New Zealand face Russia, Scotland and Canada in pool play.
‘‘We are going to have to work hard on day one to earn our spot on finals day,’’ Waldrom said.