The newly appointed national Sevens coach said it is exciting news that New Zealand has been drawn with Fiji in the Australia Sevens tournament.

New Zealand, who is the defending champion of the IRB Sevens Series, has been drawn in Pool A with Fiji, Kenya and Niue.

Alifereti Dere, who will only have more than a week to prepare his team for the first leg of the IRB Sevens Series, said he does not see why Fiji should not progress to the Cup quarterfinals.

Dere said playing against tougher sides will only improve their combination in the early stages of the tournament.