New Zealand Men’s 7s coach Sir Gordon Tietjens says the depth on his bench will prove key in the All Blacks Sevens' quest to win gold at next month's Rio Olympics.
Tietjens says there is a lot of competition for places within the side which is healthy and impact off the bench is going to be vital in Rio.
He says if players such as the Ioane brothers, Rieko and Akira, Augustine Pulu and Sonny Bill Williams perform to their potential then the All Blacks Sevens have the ability to win gold.
The other key component for Tietjens in Rio will be a strong start for the third‑seeded New Zealanders, who have drawn a tricky pool alongside Britain, Kenya and Japan.
Tietjens welcomed the challenges presented by a tough pool, saying it emphasised that there are no longer easy games in sevens rugby any more.
Meanwhile the Fiji Men’s 7s side along with other teams participating at the Olympics will depart the Nadi International Airport at 2 today.
Fiji will take on Brazil in their first Rio Olympics pool game at 4.30am on August 10th, they will then face Argentina at 9.30am before taking on USA at 4.30am on August 11th.
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