Sonny Bill Williams, Liam Messam in All Blacks Sevens line-up for Olympics
Coach Gordon Tietjens names only two New Zealand fifteens regulars in hunt for Rio gold, but says other players still in the frame
Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam are the only two All Blacks regulars named Wednesday in New Zealand's initial sevens squad as they begin preparations for next year's Rio Olympics.
Williams had been widely expected to make himself available for the All Blacks Sevens for Rio after his return from rugby league late last year.
Messam, a former sevens player before he was selected for the All Blacks, had also said he was keen on trying to win Olympic gold with Gordon Tietjens' sevens side.
[Sonny Bill Williams] will be a great attacking weapon with his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload
"We know what Liam can do and he will certainly give us some new options up front," Tietjens said. "He's a hugely experienced sevens player, having won two Commonwealth Games gold medals and been part of sevens World Series-winning New Zealand teams.
"Sonny Bill Williams is a great athlete and has shown he can adapt very easily to the demands of rugby.
"I see him adjusting very well to the fast pace of sevens. He'll be a great attacking weapon with his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload."
Neither player is expected to be involved in Super Rugby next season with the Chiefs due to their sevens commitments, where they will be expected to play at least four of the 10 tournaments on the World Rugby circuit.