It has become a familiar refrain, a cliché. However, it will never be boring, as the Olympic dream is as much a driving force as overall victory in the Sevens World Series.

New Zealand, who recorded their first Cup win of the season by beating England in the Final in Wellington last week, gave notice yet again of their class and determination to be among the top four (automatic qualifiers) when the Olympic dream is realised in May.

Fiji However won the Las Vegas Sevens, with New Zealand ending 2nd, South Africa;s Blitzbokke 3rd and USA 4th.

Many had put a question mark on whether the All Blacks would be able to defend their title in Wellington, especially after the late withdrawal of former Sevens player of the year Tim Mikkelson, and the result even exceeded coach Gordon Tietjens’ expectations.

Meanwhile there has been a number of changes to the teams for the Las Vegas leg.

HSBC Sevens World Series Log after Las Vegas:

Fixtures & Results:

All times CAT (SA Time = GMT+2)

England:

Alex Davis has been called into Simon Amor’s side after Marcus Watson who was injured in Wellington. Jack Walsh has also travelled to the United States as England monitor Tom Bowen’s fitness.

England finished as runners-up to hosts New Zealand after losing the final 21 / 27, a result which puts them just 2 points outside of the top 4 behind Australia in the hunt for Olympic qualification.

“We’re extremely pleased with the heart and spirit that the guys showed in Wellington and we’re looking to build on that,” said Amor.

“It’s disappointing to lose Marcus, but the injuries we’ve had have provided other players with the opportunity to come in and impress.”

New Zealand:

DJ Forbes joins Tim Mikkelson on the absentee list for the All Blacks Sevens for Round 5 of the Sevens World Series in Las Vegas.

The New Zealand captain was injured in the Cup quarter final with Australia at the Westpac Stadium and has been replaced by Lote Raikabula who is set to appear in his 61st series event, while Scott Curry will captain the side.

South Africa:

Current series leaders South Africa also make 1 change with Rosko Speckman replacing Justin Geduld who suffered a hamstring injury at the New Zealand Sevens in Wellington.

The BlitzBokke lead the series after finishing 3rd by beating Scotland in the play-off having lost twice over the 2 days – to France in their opening pool match and New Zealand in the Cup semi finals – with New Zealand just 7 points behind.

“We were not as sharp and probably not as mentally focused as we would have liked to be on the 1st day in Wellington,” said head coach Neil Powell.

“We did much better on the Saturday and I am glad we finished the tournament with a good win against Scotland in the 3rd place play-off.”

Australia:

Australia, who sit 4th in the World Series, just 2 points ahead of England, have also announced their squad with Geraint John naming an unchanged side for the tournament at the Sam Boyd Stadium.

“It’s a busy week, but one that is exciting and that we are relishing,” said John. “We’re all keen to get back on the field to address the mistakes that cost us in Wellington last weekend.”

Argentina:

Santiago Gomez Cora made 3 changes to the side, with Santiago Cordero, Ramiro Moyano and Javier Rojas all called up to the Pampas XV and replaced by Franco Sabato, Francisco Merello and Joaquin Diaz Bonilla. Rojas was the top tackler at the Sevens Wellington and is the joint leading tackler for the series with 77 alongside South Africa’s Werner Kok.

“The 3 of us are eager to add to the team,” said Sabato. “We know each other well so hopefully it won’t be too difficult. “Personally I am proud to be part of this team and play on the international sevens circuit.”

Argentina are 6th in the overall standings on 47 points, just 11 behind Australia in 4th with an eye on Olympic qualification.

Pools:

• Pool A: New Zealand, Fiji, Wales, Samoa
• Pool B: England, Kenya, Argentina, Canada
• Pool C: South Africa, United States, Portugal, Japan
• Pool D: Scotland, Australia, France, Brazil