Update: 4:43PM TOMASI Cama will guide the All Blacks Sevens team in the absence of master coach Gordon Tietjens as they prepare for the Hong Kong tournament next week.
Tietjens is suffering from an ear infection that prevents him
from flying so he won't be with the squad when they leave Auckland on
Sunday.
He arrives in
Hong Kong on Thursday. Skills coach Damian Karauna will take over
coaching duties in his absence to be assisted by Cama.
"I need a little more
time to come right. Damian is very experienced in the game of sevens
having played for the All Blacks Sevens over eight seasons. He knows the
drills and tactics having been with us since late last year so I am
sure the team will be well prepared," Tietjens said.
Toby Arnold, Kurt Baker, Tomasi Cama, Scott Curry, Mark
Jackman and David Raikuna are ruled out with injuries.
All
Blacks Sevens squad for Hong Kong and Japan: Sam Dickson, Matt Faddes,
DJ Forbes (c), Gillies Kaka, Rocky Khan, Ben Lam, Luke Masirewa, Tim
Mikkelson, Lote Raikabula, Trinity Spooner-Neera, Sherwin Stowers,
Belgium Tuatagaloa.