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Ben Nowell
Ben Nowell is one of two newcomers in the squad
Tietjens adds two new faces
15 May 2008, 8:50 am
By NZPA
New Zealand sevens rugby coach Gordon Tietjens will blood another two players as he eyes to plug the gaps he expects to be left in his squad next season.
He has brought into his squad of 12 for the final two tournaments this season -- London from May 24-25 and Edinburgh the following weekend -- Canterbury's Ben Nowell and Southland's Kendrick Lynn.

Nowell, 22, is a midfielder and Lynn, 25, a fullback.

Tietjens, known for his talent spotting and building up players for Super and international level, said both South Island players impressed him at the training camp this week.

"Ben and Kendrick are promising players with good skills and they have demonstrated that they are ready for international rugby," Tietjens said.

"They have taken well to the sevens game and this is an ideal opportunity for them to show their talent and ability on a world stage."

New Zealand lead the international series with 126 points, ahead of South Africa (92 points) and Fiji (74 points).

"While we are leading the points table, we are yet to win the series and we are determined to finish the year on a winning note," Tietjens said.

Tietjens will leave behind his star player Victor Vito to enable him to prepare for the provincial season.

Vito is expected to be snapped by a Super 14 side by next year and with New Zealand almost securing this year's sevens series title, the final two tournaments will allow Teitjens to start rebuilding for next season which starts in December.

New Zealand squad: Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), Edwin Cocker (Auckland), Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), DJ Forbes (Counties-Manukau, captain), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Tafai Ioasa (Hawke's Bay), Solomon King (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Kendrick Lynn (Southland), Ben Nowell (Canterbury), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour).

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