Reigning Sevens Champions New Zealand kick-off the 2003 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens in the opening match against Malaysia tonight at Hong Kong Stadium.
Along with Sevens legend Eric Rush, New Zealand have the experienced Karl Te Nana - Player of the Tournament in 2000 and 2001 - Craig de Goldi and Amasio Valence. Charles Baxter, Roy Kinikinilau, Nathaniel Walker and Liam Messam are the new talents to watch out for.
Six weeks ago New Zealand defeated England 38-26 in the final of the Wellington Sevens - the last round.
England were champions in Hong Kong last year, defeating Fiji in the final.
Organisers reshuffled the 24 teams into a revised draw following the withdrawal of Argentina, France and Italy because of the pneumonia outbreak. Namibia and Tonga were joined by the Netherlands as the replacement teams.
Hong Kong were originally grouped with Australia, Wales and China in Pool D.
