Sir Gordon Tietjens believes he has spotted some fresh talent to inject into his New Zealand Sevens programme following the national tournament in Rotorua.
Counties Manukau ran out convincing winners in the tournament final, thrashing North Harbour 54‑14 as Super Rugby talent Augustine Pulu pulled the strings in a player of the tournament performance.
There were a number of players in that champion Counties team who appeared to catch Tietjens' eye.
Before the national sevens, Tietjens talked about a need to find some extreme pace as a way to combat the likes of Carlin Isles, Perry Baker and Seabelo Senatla in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Extreme pace may not have been on show in Rotorua, but Tietjens says the combination of size and pace he was after was most certainly found.
Some players that he spoke to include Renata Roberts‑Tenana the son of former New Zealand Sevens star Karl Te Nana.
Meanwhile New Zealand is currently sitting in seventh place in the World Sevens Series standings.
They are pooled with South Africa, Scotland and Russia.
The Wellington 7s will be held next Saturday and Sunday.
