Wynne Gray: Sevens shown favouritism

Good luck to the sevens, that extraordinarily skilled group of young men defending their World Cup title in Hong Kong this weekend.

Down the years they have thrilled the nation with their successes as coach Gordon Tietjens has discovered, nurtured and developed an amazing talent pool.

Legends like Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu made such an impression in the shortened version of the game that they soon became All Blacks. Many others have graduated to test careers or become regular Super 12 selections.

But I cannot see why, even this season as the sevens defend the world title they won four years ago at Mar del Plata, this abridged form of rugby was awarded selection priority ahead of the Super 12.

Sure, the sevens are competing for a world title. Sure, it will be one helluva party in Hong Kong. Sure, there will be non-stop action with 40,000 spectators filling the Government Stadium.

But just as I don't approve of the NZ Maori side having first choice of players - ahead of the All Blacks - for their match against the Lions, I cannot see why the New Zealand Rugby Union gave sevens some selection precedence ahead of the Super 12.

Test rugby is the apex of the rugby tree followed by other levels in the long game, while sevens and touch are variegated sporting connections.

The NZRFU's decision was probably a political concession to the IRB because sevens is on the shortlist for inclusion in the 2012 Olympic Games and New Zealand did not want to be seen as a killjoy.

News Corp, in their agreement to bankroll the Super 12, demands the best 140 players are chosen. Murdoch's millions ensure the players are well paid for playing 15s, and that is where they should stay.

They have chosen to be professional rugby players in the long version of the sport, they have spent months preparing for the Super 12 series and their franchises should expect their full involvement.

The rest play sevens, the lifeline of the global circuit which has appeared in recent years.

Taking players from the Super 12 to the RWC sevens removes them for at least two rounds of that competition, maybe more, as players regroup after the gruelling fitness regimes and then an exhausting weekend in Hong Kong.

Until some contenders like Joe Rokocoko, Rico Gear and Caleb Ralph refused offers, the NZRFU had allowed Tietjens to pick two from each Super 12 franchise.

After being given permission to raid the Super 12 squads, Tietjens had every reason to grizzle when players in his sights baulked about selection and were supported by the NZRFU. Somehow Tietjens kept his composure after the NZRFU u-turn.

Tietjens had every right to ask Super 12 players to join up for Hong Kong. He was operating under guidelines set by his marshmallow employers. It took most of the senior contenders' self-interest - and who could condemn them with the rare Lions' visit - to deliver a decision the NZRFU should have made.

Every year it seems there is some kerfuffle about the selection crossover between sevens and 15s. It is an unnecessary distraction.

There is a clear distinction between the two forms of rugby. The NZRFU should reinforce that and let Tietjens and the franchises get on with their separate work.