Black Ferns Sevens player Kelly Brazier will co-captain the women's Bay of Plenty side at the Bayleys National Sevens this weekend. PHOTO/FILE
Black Ferns Sevens player Kelly Brazier will co-captain the women's Bay of Plenty side at the Bayleys National Sevens this weekend. PHOTO/FILE
The Bay of Plenty women's team are aiming to make the semifinals of the 2017 Bayleys National Sevens, according to coach Victoria Grant.
Grant has selected a mix of youth and experience in her 12-woman squad that will compete at Rotorua International Stadium this weekend.
The team will be co-captained by Victoria Edmonds and the experienced Black Ferns Sevens player Kelly Brazier, with the side also featuring the return of Black Ferns Sevens player Michaela Blyde and Rotorua's Autumn Stephens.
Grant said she was feeling confident with her side drawn in Pool B with Wellington, Auckland and Hawkes Bay.
"We have a relatively young side but I know that all the girls will perform to the best of their abilities," she said. "It was difficult for me to pick the squad; there were 16 who could have made it.
"They have been training hard and pushing one another, if they keep working as a team the rest will hopefully fall into place.
"Anything can happen but day one will be crucial for us - we have to stay in contention. Auckland and Wellington will be the tough games but I'm confident about what we can bring. Overall I'm happy with our pool and I feel out of all of them it's the safest one to be in."
Rotorua's Autumn Stephens, pictured in action for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix last season, is part of the women's Bay of Plenty squad. PHOTO/ FILE
Grant highlighted defending champions Manawatu as ones to watch after they won last weekend's Bay of Plenty Provincial Sevens Tournament and beat Grant's side 32-7 in the semifinals.
"Manawatu have won the national title numerous times so of course they will be up there and they are on a high right now," she said. "But we have enough quality to compete. We have a lot of speed across all areas on the pitch and have experienced playmakers who can make things happen.
"Last weekend was the first tournament after Christmas and I was able to give the whole squad a run out. All the girls have had to compete really hard for their places. I don't want to put any definitive on it but we are aiming to at least make the semifinals.
"Over the past couple of tournaments we have shown we can hold our own. But this is the big one it's all been leading up to."
Players will have the chance to impress Black Ferns Sevens head coach Allan Bunting who will be naming his squad for the 2016-2017 HSBC World Sevens Series after the tournament.
"This is a big opportunity for all the girls," said Grant. "Playing in Rotorua will give everyone a boost; now is the time for each and every player to bring their A-game to the table."
