Rugby sevens: Harbour look to add to proud history

North Harbour may be rank underdogs for this weekend's national provincial sevens tournament in Rotorua, but they carry a proud history into the event.

Their eight titles, the first won back in 1986, are second only to Auckland, and they were Cup finalists as recently as 2013. No less than four North Harbour players have won the Joe Tauiwi Memorial Trophy for the tournament's best: Rua Tipoki (2001), Rudi Wulf (2004), Luke Hamilton (2009, during the last victory) and David Raikuna (2013).

"The players know all about the history and the guys who have worn the jersey. I'll be emphasising that over the next couple of days," said long-time coach Geoff Alley, a former New Zealand sevens rep who has won the title once as a player (1992) and three times in a coaching capacity.

North Harbour's preparation has been far from smooth sailing, placing just eighth at last weekend's Bay of Plenty provincial sevens and sixth at last month's northern region qualifiers. However, they did hint at their latent potential with a 14-all draw with eventual winners Auckland last weekend.

"It's been tough, to be honest. It's the worst preparation (results-wise) and I've been coaching this team since 2001. We've had injuries and players unavailable for various reasons. Monday was the first training session we've had where everyone has been available," said Alley.

In North Harbour's pool tomorrow are Waikato, Wairarapa Bush and defending champions Wellington. At least two wins will be needed to advance to Sunday's Cup round.
"Day one is all about qualifying for day two. We can compete. We just have to make sure we're all on the same page," said Alley.

The seasoned Luke Hamilton will be one the leaders and playmakers, while the captaincy armband will pass to the sparky Kyle Nu'uali'itia. With only one non-New Zealand eligible player permitted on the field, Alley has gone with Samoan rep Ritchie Ah Chong, who possesses speed in abundance, ahead of the Fijian flyer Jona Tuitoga.

Other to look out for include the ITM Cup duo, forwards Ray Niuia and Jordan Manihera, while former NZ Under 20s rep Chris Vui returns to the bigger stage after injury, as does Michael Little. And while Alley does not have access to sevens talent, now locked into Super Rugby, such as Tevita Li, Pita Ahki and Nafi Tuitavake, there is potential and pace like Daniel Lee, an outside back fresh out of Rosmini College.

North Harbour won the 2014 Bowl final in Rotorua, but, if all goes well on day one, they will have designs on some very different shaped silverware on Sunday.