Absent New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens sends instructions from afar
Kiwi’s long-time coach stays home with ear infection but players know what is expected ahead of showpiece
Even though missing in action, the shadow of Gordon Tietjens hung over New Zealand's first training session at So Kon Po yesterday.
Hours after landing, a raw All Blacks Sevens squad were trying to get rid of their jet lag as they prepared for this week's Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens without their talismanic coach Tietjens, who remained home with an ear infection and is due to join the squad on Thursday or Friday morning.
The players, nine of whom are new to Hong Kong, have not had a chance to miss his absence. "Titch has reminded everyone what needs to be done," said Tomasi Cama, New Zealand's injured playmaker who will sit out the action at Hong Kong Stadium this weekend.
Manager Ross Everiss added: "He called me as soon as we landed asking if everything was okay."
Titch has reminded everyone what needs to be done ... He called me as soon as we landed asking if everything was okay
A team insider leaked that Tietjens was finding it "irksome" having been forced to stay behind by doctors who felt it was wiser to take the safe option and delay his trip by a few days to allow his cochlea to heal.
"It feels strange to be here without him," Everiss said. "He has never missed a Hong Kong Sevens, and the build-up to it, ever since he became coach."