“We have a very good team but we are not playing against shadows.”
Those are the words of Vodafone Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan as they get ready for kick off of the 16th New Zealand Sevens tournament today.
Speaking from Wellington, Ryan said they have worked very hard on lifting their performance from where they have left off in the last two tournaments.
Ryan said he will be trying out different combinations during the pool stages.
Meanwhile Defending champions New Zealand are now relying on their supporters to hype up the tournament.
All Blacks 7's coach Gordon Tietjens said he is hoping to discover new talents.
England coach Simon Amor is putting his focus on moving up the ladder in the World Sevens Series points table.
Australian Coach Geraint John said he is wary of the Fijian Sevens side.
John added Ryan has assembled a strong and experienced team.
The New Zealand 7's kicks off today with South Africa taking on France at 11am in the opening match.
Fiji takes on Portugal at 12.03pm, face Wales at 2.58pm before taking on Australia at 5.54pm in their last pool game.
The Cup quarterfinals will start at 12.28pm tomorrow, the Cup semifinals will be at 4.12pm while the Cup final kicks off at 7.55pm tomorrow.
South Africa are on top of the table with 59 points. Fiji is second on 51 points, with New Zealand third on 47, Australia fourth on 46.
The four nations hold the all-important Olympic Qualifying spots
