Fijian duo Lote Raikabula and Tomasi Cama Junior have been retained by New Zealand 7's coach, Gordon Tietjens for the opening leg of the IRB 7's series in Dubai and George.

Both of their experience is vital for the Kiwi to start their defence on a winning note.

Tietjeans has named four new players in his squad the opening round of the 2008-2009 series this weekend in Dubai- also the venue for next year's Rugby World Cup.

The newcomers to the squad are Paul Grant, Kurt Baker, Tim Nanai-Willams and the squads youngest member, Julian Savea.

Two of last year's squad, Edwin Cocker and Nigel Hunt have not ben considered because of injury.

New Zealand has won the 8 of the 9 IRB Series held since its inception in the 1999-2000 season, with Fiji's win in 2005-2006, the only year they failed to top the competition.

They are in Pool A in Dubai with Wales, Zimbabwe and Australia.