New Zealand women's sevens coach Sean Horan has had to summon some fresh talent for his squad to head to Dubai for the first of six tournaments in the world series following a collection of injuries to his regulars.
Ailments to Huriana Manual (leg), Kayla McAlister (neck), Michaela Blyde (knee),and Vaine Greig (leg) have opened the door for Bay of Plenty school teacher Morgan Morrow, 25, and Auckland's Charlotte Scanlan, 26, to earn selection. Regular Selica Winiata missed the cut.
"While we would rather not have injuries to some of our senior players, this has opened the door for new talent trying to push through," Horan said.
"Both players have blended well into this team environment, and the competition for places in the squad has really lifted everyone's game, which we will need to keep doing if we want to realise our goals for gold in Rio."
Seasoned campaigners Ruby Tui and Portia Woodman have returned from injuries. "It's great to have Portia and Ruby back in the mix - both are hungry and on edge to get back into playing a tournament. They are in fantastic condition as they've worked hard to maintain their fitness while rehabilitating from injuries," Horan said.
"Portia is like the bionic woman - she's come back bigger, faster, stronger, and Ruby just hasn't missed a trick in terms of getting her body ready. They are both keen to shake off the cobwebs in Dubai."
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Jordon Webber has been named for the women's side while her brother Joe has to wait another two days before finding out if he's made the cut for the men's team.
The New Zealand women's sevens team departs for Dubai on Saturday evening and the tournament in Dubai begins next Thursday.
