9 Dec 2016

BOP first five called into All Black Sevens

12:54 pm on 9 December 2016

The Bay of Plenty first-five-eight Dan Hollinshead has been called into the All Blacks Sevens squad for the World Series Tournament in Cape Town after Beaudein Waaka suffered an ankle injury in Dubai last weekend.

Co-coach Scott Waldrom said the Cape Town Tournament offered the opportunity to further develop the team's game-plan and give players important game time.

"We are continuing to develop the players and new structures this season that will service us better in the future.

Bay of Plenty's Dan Hollinshead

Bay of Plenty's Dan Hollinshead Photo: Photosport

"In Dubai we started to see some improvements, but we lacked consistency...this weekend we should see an improved performance and I believe this team is good enough to win if we get it right"

All Blacks Sevens captain Scott Curry said he wants to see more focus and dedication from the team.

"The newer players got the chance to have big match experience last weekend. The combination of that experience and more time together to bed in our game-plan should see us do a lot better this week."

New Zealand sit eighth in the series standings after the opening round.