KEY POINTS:
The champion New Zealand rugby sevens team are not only wary of arch-rivals Fiji, but are also keeping a close watch on every other team on the world circuit, last year's captain, DJ Forbes says.
New Zealand begin the defence of their crown in Dubai on Friday and
head to George in South Africa for the second round the following week.
New Zealand had come from behind to win the 2006/2007 series, clinching the title in the final round in Edinburgh, Scotland, as front runners Fiji, the defending champions, surprisingly faltered.
" We're not going to sneak up on anyone this time, everyone's going to be out to get us again," Forbes told the International Rugby Board website.
"It should make for an exciting season."
The Fijians have a new coach and a new-look team but promise to be as competitive as always.
However, New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens is also purring along after successfully undergoing a bi-lateral knee replacement which has given him something he hasn't had for a number of years - pain-free movement.
"My legs were quite bowed and, bone on bone, it was obviously quite painful but now they've freed up heaps and I certainly get around the field a lot quicker, will do at training too, so I'm certainly looking forward to it.
"I don't know whether the players are, but I feel a lot better. And I'm an inch taller."
While Tietjens continues to rate the flying Fijians who he classes as the most dangerous side in the world, the likes of Samoa, South Africa and England are also on the rise.
However, there is plenty at stake to keep the excitement levels up for Tietjens and his players.
"This is a year that we have to build towards that World Cup in Dubai (in early 2009) so it's key for us, and for me, to develop players and hopefully retain them.
"It only comes round once every four years so you have to apply yourself for that."
New Zealand, to be captained by Tafai Ioasa, who missed most of the last series because of a knee injury, are top seeds for this weekend's tournament.
The third round of the world series will be held in Wellington on February 1 and 2.
New Zealand sevens squad
Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Edwin Cocker (Auckland), Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), DJ Forbes (Auckland), Nigel Hunt (Wellington), Tafai Ioasa (Hawke's Bay, captain), James Kamana (Waikato), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (North Harbour), Rene Ranger (Northland), Lote Raikabula (Hawke's Bay), Victor Vito (Wellington), Steven Yates (Canterbury)
- NZPA