The Black Ferns Sevens will be without a host of Rugby World Cup winners for this weekend's World Series event in Dubai, with Tyla Nathan-Wong returning from concussion to captain the side.
Tyla Nathan-Wong. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Sarah Hirini, Portia Woodman, Stacey Fluhler, Ruby Tui, Theresa Fitzpatrick are all unavailable, they're taking a rest after helping guide New Zealand to glory in the 15s World Cup.
Nathan-Wong, who captained the side the last time they were in Dubai in 2019, suffered a head injury while making her Black Ferns 15s debut against Australia earlier this year, ruling her out of contention for both the Sevens and 15s World Cups.
She leads a Black Ferns Sevens side with three uncapped players in their ranks.
Auckland's Tysha Ikenasio and Waikato's Kelsey Teneti and Manaia Nuku will run out for their Black Ferns Sevens debut, while Canterbury youngster Jorja Miller will play in her first World Series tournament after debuting at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in September.
"We've got young girls who haven't experienced the World Series before so the key is not putting any pressure on them, its about going out there, having fun, playing rugby and that will be when we are at our best," said Nathan-Wong.
Also in Pool B this weekend, the Black Ferns Sevens will come up against Great Britain, Brazil and France.
The Black Ferns Sevens are the defending Olympic gold medallists.
"Its straight into it for us - no mucking around! We know Great Britain have had a long pre-season bringing those three countries together so that will be a big challenge for us first up. But we love that, it will be a good test to see where we are as a squad.
The All Blacks Sevens will be looking to bounce back after a ninth place finish in their season opener in Hong Kong last month, while Dubai is the first hit out for the Black Ferns Sevens as both teams work towards Olympic qualification.
In the World Sevens Series, which runs through to May, the top four teams in both the men's and women's competitions will automatically for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The men, who collected silver at the Tokyo Olympics, finished ninth last month in their season's first tournament in Hong Kong, missing out on the playoff stages after losses to Australia and Samoa in pool play.
The All Blacks Sevens welcome the return of young star Che Clark and Lewis Ormond from injury and are aiming for an improved performance from Hong Kong.
"We had two weeks to review Hong Kong and see where we went wrong and the coaches put a good plan in place," said Captain Sam Dickson.
"We started slow in Hong Kong. We weren't direct enough and there were silly little things that probably came from not playing in a while. We were happy with how we finished, in our three games on day three we were much more direct and physical - and that has been our focus leading into Dubai."
Drawn in Pool B for Dubai, the team are set to face Argentina, Fiji and Uruguay in another tough assignment.
"Most pools these days are pretty cut throat, with Argentina and Fiji up first it's a great test for our group. We had two physical, hard training weeks heading into this so we are up for it and can't wait for our first game against Argentina," said Dickson.
They face Argentina, Fiji and Uruguay in the pool stages in Dubai, starting on Friday.
Black Ferns Sevens team is;
4. Niall Williams
6. Michaela Blyde
7. Tyla Nathan-Wong (C)
8. Kelly Brazier
13. Jazmin Felix-Hotham (VC)
14. Terina Te Tamaki
18. Kelsey Teneti - debut
22. Shiray Kaka
26. Tysha Ikenasio - debut
33. Manaia Nuku - debut
77. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (VC)
81. Mahina Paul
83. Jorja Miller
All Blacks Sevens team is:
2. Brady Rush
3. Tone Ng Shiu
4. Akuila Rokolisoa
7. Sam Dickson (C)
9. Amanaki Nicole
10. Kurt Baker
11. Joe Webber
12. Leroy Carter
13. Moses Leo
21. Che Clark
23. Lewis Ormond
49. Caleb Tangitau
64. Regan Ware