Rugby: Sevens team still without skipper

The New Zealand sevens rugby team face the second leg of the IRB World Series starting in South Africa tonight (NZT) without captain Tafai Ioasa.

New Zealand went on to win the Dubai Sevens tournament last weekend after Ioasa injured a knee while training and will begin their attempt to win again at George in South Africa when they take on Kenya at midnight tonight.

New Zealand, the defending champions, also play England and Zimbabwe as part of their pool A draw.

Ioasa has been replaced by Waikato's Tim Mikkelson, one of several players in the tournament to get called up for the second round.

South Africa have called up Springbok Kabamba Floors and Marius Schoeman in place of Mzwandile Stick (shoulder) and Jonathan Mokuena (suspended) as they try to win their home event for the first time.

Siaosi Akerei and Morgan Salesa have joined Samoa after Apelu Fa'aiuga and Lolo Lui returned to Auckland for treatment on injuries sustained during their team's run to the plate final in Dubai.

- NZPA