The national men's rugby sevens side has begun training at Mt Maunganui in preparation for the defence of their World Series title, starting with the Gold Coast tournament the weekend after next.
The All Blacks Sevens will be missing several players through injury or provincial team commitments, notably Gillies Kaka.
A shoulder injury's taken Kaka out - the Hawke's Bay player's been replaced by fellow World Cup winner Waisake Naholo.
Junior Tofa Va'a has also been called into the wider training group, while Gareth Williams-Spiers, Kara Pryor and Rob Thompson have also pulled out.
Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens is expected to name his final squad on Thursday.
