By Gary Anderson

The All Blacks have named their squad for Glasgow 2014 as they look for a fifth Commonwealth Games gold medal ©AFP/Getty ImagesNew Zealand has named the 12 players that will head to Glasgow later this month in search of a fifth consecutive rugby sevens Commonwealth Games gold medal.

The squad is packed full of experience and will be led by captain DJ Forbes, who, along with Sherwin Stowers and Tim Mikkelson, was part of the team that overcame Australia in the Delhi 2010 final.

New Zealand retained their HSBC Sevens World Series title earlier this year and will head to Ibrox Stadium as strong favourites to maintain their monopoly of the Commonwealth Games crown, which they have held since rugby sevens made its Games debut in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

The All Blacks have also added the Rugby World Cup Sevens title to their collection since 2010, hammering England 33-0 in last year's final in Moscow.

Pita Ahki was one of those who triumphed at the Luzhniki Stadium and returns to the squad after a season playing Super Rugby with the Auckland Blues, while Declan O'Donnell makes his return after a series of injuries.

They will be joined by Scott Curry, Sam Dickson, Bryce Heem, Akira Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Ben Lam and Joe Webber.

DJ Forbes will captain the All Blacks during the Glasgow 2014 rugby sevens competition at Ibrox Stadium ©AFP/Getty ImagesDJ Forbes will captain the All Blacks during the Glasgow 2014 rugby sevens competition at Ibrox Stadium ©AFP/Getty Images



"There is some experience there in a team which will be well led by DJ Forbes," said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens, who will select two reserve players following a training camp in Mount Maunganui this week before the team depart for a pre-Games training camp in The Netherlands on Monday (July 14).

"You need those players and among them there are new younger players at the Commonwealth Games who will feel the pressure and it is different pressure at a Games.

"To win, it's all about consistency.

"It's being accurate when you need to be, strong defence and dominating possession.

"If we can play consistently well, and having a strong bench will help, then that plays a big hand in being successful.

"Winning a gold medal at a Commonwealth Games is very special.

"There is nothing better than seeing a player being presented with a gold medal and listening to the anthem.

"I am confident if these guys can perform to the best of their ability and be on top of their game we can go very well."

Meanwhile, Delhi 2010 silver medallists Australia have also announced their squad for Glasgow 2014.

New head coach Geraint John has selected a squad that will feature nine players making their Commonwealth Games debuts and will be looking to the experienced Liam Gill, James Stannard and Ed Jenkins to provide leadership in Glasgow.

Liam Gill will be hoping to lead Australia to a first Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow later this month ©Getty ImagesLiam Gill will be hoping to lead Australia to a first Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow later this month ©Getty Images



The Welshman took over the reins in Australia following the resignation of Michael O'Connor earlier this year.

The Aussies finished the Sevens World Series in fifth place and John is confident his squad that also includes Jesse Parahi, Tom Cusack, Sean McMahon, Sam Myers, Con Foley, Tom Lucas, Cameron Clark, Pamau Fou and Greg Jeloudev, will challenge for medals in Glasgow.

"In this Commonwealth Games squad, I think we have an extremely talented group of players with the right mix of experience and youth," said John.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what the team can produce in Glasgow."

Sixteen teams will compete in the rugby sevens competition at Glasgow 2014 which is due to take place on July 26 and 27.

New Zealand will take on hosts Scotland, Canada and Barbados in Pool A, while Australia face 2006 silver medallists England, Sri Lanka and Uganda in Pool D.

Pool B contains South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands and Trinidad and Tobago with Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia in Pool C.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
May 2014: 
Welshman appointed head coach of Australian rugby sevens team
February 2014: 
Head coach O'Connor quits Australian rugby sevens citing family reasons
February 2014: 
Barbados replace Nigeria after they withdraw from Glasgow 2014 rugby sevens
January 2014: 
Scotland to face New Zealand as Glasgow 2014 rugby sevens draw made
June 2013: Double success for New Zealand at Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow