All Blacks Sevens lose 5 key players ahead of Cape Town 7s

The All Black Sevens have lost five experienced players to injury ahead of their last tournament of the year at the Cape Town Sevens.

Etene Nanai‑Seturo has been released from pre‑season training with the Chiefs and will make a return to the All Blacks Sevens team in Cape Town after last turning out in the black jersey at the London Sevens in June.

Nanai‑Seturo, Trael Joass and Taylor Haugh flew to Cape Town this week after the All Blacks Sevens team picked up five injuries in the led up to and during the Dubai Sevens.

It will be a young All Blacks Sevens team that takes the field in Cape Town, with the five most experienced members of the squad: Kurt Baker, Akuila Rokolisoa, Sam Dickson, Regan Ware and Scott Curry ‑ who boast 200 tournament caps between them ‑ unavailable to play.

The All Blacks Sevens are facing Zimbabwe, Samoa and South Africa in a tough pool, the assignment intensified by South Africa's celebration of what would have been Nelson Mandela's 100th birthday.

The All Blacks Sevens won the Cape Town event in 2017, their tenth title in South Africa.

[Source: Radio NZ]