Six months after defending their IRB Sevens World Series crown, New Zealand have been named top seeds at the Dubai Sevens on November 28-29.
The tournament is the start of even months of international Sevens action, including the eight events on the grand-prix style Series and the Rugby World Cup Sevens, scheduled to be held in Dubai on March 5-7 next year.
New Zealand will have a tough start to the 10th anniversary Sevens season in Pool A with Australia, who have a new coach in former Test star Michael O'Connor.
South Africa finished second last season standings and are second seeds.
