Rugby sevens: Jackman loving the environment

Mark Jackman in action on day one of the Wellington Sevens. Photo / Getty Images

Aside from not being able to hear the odd call from his team-mates above the noise at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, New Zealand Sevens player Mark Jackman settled in to the national side straight away today.

The Ashburton product is one of two debutants in Gordon Tietjens' squad for the fourth leg of the World Sevens Series alongside Wellingtonian Ardie Savea.

The 23-year-old said the atmosphere in the capital was a step up from what he had experienced before.

"The one thing I've really noticed is it's a bit louder and it's a bit hard to hear the calls and stuff like that during the warm-ups,'' Jackman said.

"But apart from that, once you are on the field you get in the zone and it's not too bad.

"The first game I just think I tried to block the crowd out. During the warm-up it's obviously extremely loud but that second one I warmed up and just embraced it and sort of felt that bit of energy from them and I think I was probably a bit more relaxed going in to the second game.

"There's a few more people here than the Collegiate rugby ground [in Ashburton].''

The utility back had his role in the side upgraded when Toby Arnold was ruled out of the tournament with a leg injury he suffered in New Zealand's opening 29-7 win over Scotland.

Jackman started in New Zealand's second pool A fixture when they easily accounted for Japan, 54-0, and he marked his elevation in the pecking order with a runaway try.

"I just saw a bit of a gap there and it opened up and I just put the hammer down and went for it,'' he said of the five-pointer.

"I got subbed soon after that so thankfully I didn't have to do anything after it.

"I'll probably remember the first cap and the first game more. Tries are just a positive, I guess.''

New Zealand's rout over Japan secured the home side a spot in the quarterfinals as they remained on track to win back-to-back titles in Wellington.

Jackman came off contract with Hawkes Bay at the conclusion of last season's ITM Cup and his rise to the national Sevens squad began when he captained Canterbury in January's national tournament in Queenstown.

He had been busy on his cellphone during the week fielding congratulatory messages from all around the country about his selection.

"I've definitely had a few texts from mates down in Ashburton and Christchurch and Hawkes Bay as well, just wishing me well, wishing me all the best. I'm just trying to make everyone proud. That's been part of my journey.''

If he can play a hand in a New Zealand victory tomorrow, he won't have done a bad job.