NZ will hit low, says Cama
Coach untroubled by high-tackle laws
Tomasi Cama is not unduly concerning himself with the possible impact of the new high-tackle laws on this weekend’s Wellington Sevens. The All Blacks Sevens co-coach and 63-tournament veteran was philosophical when quizzed at yesterday’s training in Porirua.
“Not a lot of concern. High tackles have never been allowed since the game’s been played,” said Cama. “They are now looking at it [closely], so it’s how we control what we are doing and how we want to make our tackles. We are encouraging our boys to chop tackle or anything that goes in the mid-section, but we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure by one or two being sent to the bin. So the boys have to work hard to nail the detail on how we approach the tackles.”
The national provincial sevens tournament in Rotorua less than a fortnight ago saw inconsistencies and several yellow cards for borderline tackles. This weekend will feature international referees and again no recourse to the TMO, so the propensity for some ropey rulings will again be high, as it were.
Sherwin Stowers was the immedi- ate injury problem, the veteran flyer completing only part of the training session, meaning former skipper DJ Forbes, who will play his 82nd World Series event, stepped in to talk to media. He was put on the spot on the topic of Wellington’s possible demise as a World Series sevens venue.
“It’s disappointing but I think I speak on behalf of the boys that when you represent your country, you are proud, and happy to play in front of a man and his dog. We’ll try and put on a show [regardless],” said Forbes.