New Zealand head into the third round of the world sevens series starting in Wellington on Waitangi Day in unfamiliar territory - second place.
South Africa currently leads the series on 40 points, while New Zealand is on 28.
The New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens says it's important for his side to do well in the home tournament and pegs some points back.
He says his side is well aware of the expectations the home crowd have.
Meanwhile, the South African coach Paul Treu says leading New Zealand into the third leg is something his side have never done before and hopefully they can continue performing well in Wellington.
The first match will get underway between Pool C rivals England and France at one o'clock.
New Zealand's first match is against Wales just after three o'clock.
