The New Zealand 7s has given a chance for smaller Oceania teams like the Cook Island to show the world that they can compete at the highest level.

The last time the Cooks played in the 7s World Series was at the 2009 Wellington tournament and the disappointment of not playing last year has acted as extra motivation.

Being in the same pool with current IRB 7s point leaders England is not easy for any team and with USA and World Cup 7s champions Wales being the other two opponents, they are in the pool of death in Wellington.

The Cook Islands have, in fact, beaten all three of their pool opponents before, including a surprise 21 17 victory over England in the pool stages of the 2008 NZI Sevens.

The 2011 New Zealand 7s kicks-off on Friday with Samoa playing against Kenya.

Meanwhile, Fiji will meet France on Friday at 1.44pm then Canada at 4.40pm before the final pool game against South Africa at 9.12pm.


Story by: Paradise Tabucala