The New Zealand men's sevens team to go to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics will be named tomorrow. But what would it look like if Gordon Tietjens and co could pick any player they wanted? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn selects his dream sevens squad.
Beauden Barrett
The speed, the swerve, the ice cool temperament. Barrett loves an open, running game. They do not get much more open than a sevens match. Would be the first name down on the list.
Ben Smith
Could have walked into the side if he wished. And why not? Has poise, speed and just never seems to make a mistake. Won a medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the welcome mat was out this time but he declined.
Liam Squire
Runs like a rampaging bull and has speed to burn. Would make mincemeat of some of these show ponies on the sevens circuit.
Aaron Smith
He is probably the most important player in the country at the moment and his 100 miles an hour style would be ideally suited to the sevens game. Quick step and mind and that long pass would find plenty of space on a sevens field.
Victor Vito
Vito probably looks more destructible and athletic than he is but has speed and strength which can not be matched by many.
Julian Savea
Not the lumbering lumberjack we have seen of late. Get him under the Tietjens regime, put him off the pies and he will be an asset no team will want to face.
Akira Ioane
Sometimes you wonder if he is as good as many think. But can run like the wind and knock anyone over. A rugged defender too.
Sonny Bill Williams
It looks like contract issues means he has to be in the team. But surrounded with superstars, SBW will want to be the man and will have plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Has had a few injury issues but will be the man for the occasion.
Kieran Read
A born winner who is ageing like a nice wine. Gets over the advantage line and will lead from the front. Has a good turn of speed.
Ardie Savea
Was made for sevens to be honest. Lightning quick and good over the ball. Looked a quality operator when he had a short stint in the abridged version of the game earlier this year.
Rieko Ioane
Super fast and that is what is needed in sevens. A speedster who has popped up to score just when it is needed. A tad green in defence.
DJ Forbes
Buried deep in the New Zealand Rugby constitution is that DJ Forbes must be selected in the NZ sevens team. Appears to be a fading force but somehow continues to be picked. A good team man and one can never have too many of them.
