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Tomasi Cama in action for New Zealand. - Source: Photosport -
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Appropriately or not, it has been seven long years since the New Zealand Sevens team last defended their home title.
In fact the 2004 and 2005 classes are the only New Zealand teams to ever win back-to-back Wellington championships.
The 2005 vintage was a particularly special breed with the likes of Liam Messam, Josh Blackie and Roy Kinikinilau producing power, Sosene Anesi adding speed and playmaker Orene Aii creating it all with plenty of guile.
Tomasi Cama, who is New Zealand's all-time leading point scorer and arguably the country's finest ever playmaker, has won the Wellington title two times (2008, 2011) and to a win third while going back-to-back is an opportunity he is relishing.
Wellington Sevens live on TV One and live-streamed on tvnz.co.nz on Friday from 12.30pm and midday on Saturday. Plus catch up OnDemand.
"Yeah there is a lot of pressure playing in front of home fans and families but it would be special to be able to the defend title", Cama said.
Coach Gordon Tietjens agrees after seeing his 2009 team miss out on winning a second title by a whisker when it was England who dramatically beat New Zealand 19-17 in the Cup final.
"We always look forward to our home tournament, but it is a tough one to crack," added Tietjens, who is looking for his 10th World Series title in 13 years.
"But there is also lots of pressure for a team to win their home tournament.
"The players love the tournament. Playing in front of friends and family is something you can only do once every year. This is a very special tournament, and to win here is really pleasing for the players.
"But that pressure can be put on you, as South Africa felt playing us in the final in Port Elizabeth, and it can be heartbreaking as it was for us three years ago against England when we lost."
If the 2012 team are going to achieve the rare double they are going to have to it without 2011 star Declan O'Donnell, who has graduated to Super Rugby with the Chiefs.
The loss of O'Donnell was a big blow to the 2012 roster.
He was the one player from last year with genuine pace but Tietjens, who not only wants speed but repeat speed, got his wish for Wellington when All Blacks winger Hosea Gear made himself available.
It was a no-brainer to pick Gear despite his fitness not being quite where he wants it to be but captain DJ Forbes believes the rest of his squad is in prime condition.
"It's probably the fittest team we've had in a while that's including our big boys so it's going to be a pretty good side to watch," Forbes said.
In the overall complexion of the World Series, New Zealand head into day one of the Wellington Sevens, level with Fiji on 51 points and Titejens believes the fourth tournament is critical junction for their overall title hopes.
"You have to be there or thereabouts to continue to Vegas in terms of points if you are to do well in the Series," said Tietjens.
"Four teams are really close and you can't afford to trip up.
"But there will be teams that do trip up there is no question so this is a big part of the Series and to leave here as the top seed and having won the tournament gives you an advantage going to try and win that trophy."
New Zealand is unlikely to trip up today.
They should easily deal with Scotland and Japan in Pool A before playing 2009/2010 World Series champions Samoa, who have been disappointing so far this season with their best result being a Cup semi-final finish in Dubai.
Should the Kiwis win Pool A, a quarter-final tomorrow beckons against either Australia, Kenya or France.
Given France's excellent form this season, on the back of outstanding playmaker Terry Bouhraoua, mark down 2:50pm when Australia meet Kenya as a pivotal moment for New Zealand's day two fate.
