Rugby: Forbes says sevens pressure a test

New Zealand Sevens captain DJ Forbes says his team can conquer their nerves. Photo / NZPA

New Zealand sevens captain DJ Forbes believes if the rookies in his squad can come through the pressure-cooker atmosphere of this weekend's leg of the world series in Wellington then they're made for the big time.

There's no doubt New Zealand carry a huge weight of public expectation when they play in the capital and newcomers Ardie Savea and Mark Jackman will pull on the black jersey for the first time on Friday.

Forbes, a member of the national side since 2006, said this week's two-day event would bring about nerves for Savea, 18, and Jackman, 23, but they had to rise above the expectations.

"I think everyone's gone through that stage and I guess that's how you find out whether you're made for it and like I say, everyone who decides to play sevens or any international sport, that's part and parcel of being a professional athlete," Forbes said.

"We train for these occasions, the big occasions and hopefully, Friday-Saturday, we'll be able to show our wares."

In past 12 editions of the Wellington event, New Zealand have tasted victory five times and finished second twice, but Forbes said the pressure was always ramped another notch in this particular tournament.

"Yeah, definitely. There's no secret about that. We try and play it down and I guess for all the young boys and new faces that's part and parcel of rugby. But everyone's pretty proud about what we do in front of your family and friends. There's kind of no other option but to try and win; so as far as we are concerned the senior boys try and take all the pressure off the younger boys. We've been there before, so it's on us to lead by example.

"I guess just being at home and all the talk about the hype; it's definitely harder to win in front of your family and friends. But there's no reason why we can't if we all perform."

Aside from youngsters Savea and Jackman, one player who has returned to the fold is World Cup-winning All Black Hosea Gear.

The blockbusting wing has been released by the Highlanders to play this weekend's tournament and the 27-year-old was part of New Zealand's gold-medal effort at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.

Forbes said it was great to have a player of Gear's calibre on the roster to go alongside regular faces Tomasi Cama, Lote Raikabula and Tim Mikkelson.

"I think everyone knows he's an awesome rugby player and obviously he's done it before for us in Delhi. So there's no secret there. Everyone knows about him. I think it was just whether he was going to be up to the pace and after his beep tests and all the trainings he's going through with flying colours. So we are pleased to have him back on board."

This weekend's tournament is the fourth in the nine-leg world series and New Zealand share top spot in the standings alongside their perennial rival Fiji.

The kiwis are in Pool A alongside Scotland, Samoa and Japan and open their campaign against the Scots on Friday afternoon at 3.12pm.