New Zealand 7s coach, Gorsdon Tietjens has expressed concerns over his side's fitness levels ahead of the Dubai 7s, the opening event in the 2009/10 IRB 7s World Series.

The legendary coach has led his side to more IRB 7s series titles than any other coach, New Zealand have won eight of the 10 World Series contested since 1999, all under his guidance, and one of his major yardsticks has always been physical conditioning.

Unlike some of their major competitors, the kiwis have not had the opportunity to compete in any warm up tournaments, as the Pacific teams have been playing, while South Africa and the Davetalevu side from Fiji played in the final in Singapore and will also be playing in Sri Lanka this weekend.

Tietjens will make his final selection of his 12-member squad this weekend before the Dubai 7s tournament next week.

New Zealand head Pool D with Argentina, Portugal and France.