Tietjens chasing own record
If New Zealand make the final at this weekend's USA Sevens in San Diego they will eclipse their own long-standing record of 34 unbeaten matches in IRB Sevens World Series rugby.
If New Zealand make the final at this weekend's USA Sevens in San Diego they will eclipse their own long-standing record of 34 unbeaten matches in IRB Sevens World Series rugby.
Having won their last five tournaments – the last two of the 2006/07 Series in London and Edinburgh and the first three this season – Gordon Tietjens' side has already etched its place in Sevens rugby's history books.
However, the chance to surpass the feats of the 2001/2002 squad featuring the likes of Eric Rush, Karl Te Nana and Amasio Valence, must now be a major source of inspiration as the side travels to California for the USA Sevens.
Tietjens' side had to be at their very best to claim the Wellington title back from Samoa last weekend, and the final victory at the Westpac Stadium was the team's 30th in a row, still four short of the class of 2001/02.
Tietjens has won seven World Series titles, a Rugby World Cup Sevens and three Commonwealth Games golds but has always maintained that the secret to winning the series is getting off to a good start.
Never before, though, has he seen his side win the first three events. In 2000 and again in 2001 the Kiwis took the first two titles but on each occasion were pegged back, first by Fiji and then Australia.
The 60 points won in Dubai, South Africa and New Zealand mean that they already lie 24 points clear of their nearest rivals, Fiji.
Tietjens has also proved once again that he is a master talent scout. Much like Jonah Lomu 14 years ago, Victor Vito was – until last weekend – known only to an informed few in New Zealand, and even by them as only a promising youngster.
Now, after watching the 20-year-old power over for two tries to clinch the title on home soil, Tietjens faces the distinct prospect of losing him to the Super 14 before the end of the year.
The USA Sevens will be played at the PETCO Park in San Diego on 9-10 February.