Sevens: Bay gain chance to test against best

CLASS: Hazel Tubic and the New Zealand Women's Sevens team proved too strong.PHOTO/JOEL FORD

The Bay of Plenty Women's Sevens team got an up close and personal view of what the world champion New Zealand side looks like at Blake Park yesterday afternoon.

As it turns out, the vision was quick, fit, well-organised and efficient enough to impress upon any casual observer that the women's game in this country is taking off.

For the Bay it was a chance to measure themselves against the world's best while preparing for a big few weeks leading into a bid for national qualification on December 14.

"We've got a tournament on Saturday so it gives us a chance to put a game plan together," said coach David Mays.

"The New Zealand women's coach, Sean Horan, has come down and asked if he can have some opposed games and we try to accommodate them where we can.

"It can be difficult getting people out for 2.30pm from school or work, but we've got 14 here already so we've done okay.

"With the national tournament being in our own back yard it's crucial that we qualify, so we are just building toward that."

The side will contest the Te Rapa Sevens on Saturday minus regular captain Calli Turner who is absent due to injury.

The Bay had some good moments throughout the hit-out with the New Zealand team, but lacked the size and speed to keep up with the national side once the game broke open.

A number of the younger players showed promising signs; hinting this level may not be beyond them in the coming years.

The biggest difference between the two squads was in the depth and distance of the passing, though the Bay team kept good shape for much of the match.