Rugby: Tietjens tells Bay players to step up

All Blacks Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, centre, oversees a training session at Blake Park this week. Photo / Andrew Warner

Sevens master coach Sir Gordon Tietjens would like to see more of Bay of Plenty's top talent commit themselves to sevens rugby.

The Tauranga resident says there is a huge number of players within the region who could look at sevens as a launching pad.

"Elijah Nicholas I think could be a superb sevens player, but he needs to get out there and get into it," Tietjens said. "He is the type of athlete needed and if he was to commit himself to all the type of work that is required, I am sure he has the skill sets to be a fine sevens player.

"Those are the type of players who are sitting on the back doorstep of the coach who lives here."

Tietjens oversaw this week's All Blacks Sevens training camp and trials at Mount Maunganui ahead of selection of the team for the Commonwealth Games beginning in Glasgow next month.

Tietjens is to lead the All Blacks Sevens to his fifth Commonwealth Games. His teams have won all four gold medals without dropping a game.

"It is a one-off tournament and is no different to a Rugby World Cup," he says.

"We have been to nine IRB World Series tournaments this year and we had a pretty good year in winning five of them. But with the games you can't think of next week and accumulating points; it is a one-off chance of winning a gold medal.

"We are going there to win a gold medal, not to defend the titles we have won."

Tietjens says staying at the athletes' village made it a special environment for his players.

"You are representing the sport of rugby amongst all the other sports teams and that gives it special significance. We will mix and mingle with all the hockey players and netballers and whatever in the dining facilities. We are all there working for each other and playing for each other.

"When I look back at the years I have been coaching, going to the Commonwealth Games are special memories more than anything. Seeing a player being presented with a gold medal, and the anthem and everything, is special."

The All Blacks Sevens squad trains at Blake Park today from 10am.