The New Zealand rugby sevens squad flew out for the Gold Coast on Sunday and the start of the defence of their world series title with some confidence.
Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has an experienced squad, with seven players who won the World Cup in Moscow in July and 10 who played in the side on the World Series circuit last season.
Tim Mikkelson, who was named player of the year for 2013 and has been playing for Waikato in the provincial Premiership, says it's been tough getting back into "Tietjens" trainings.
The veteran DJ Forbes will again captain the side, with the Wellington winger Ambrose Curtis the only newcomer in the 12-strong squad.
New Zealand play the United States, Kenya and Tonga in pool play on Saturday.
