Rangihuna to captain Wellington Sevens team in Rotorua

Above: New Wellington Sevens captain Sheridan Rangihuna running in support of Rotorua-born New Zealand Universities wing Te Wehi Wright at last month’s Central region qualifying tournament.

Former Wellington Lions halfback Sheridan Rangihuna will captain the Wellington men’s team at this weekend’s National Sevens and hopes that the Rotorua International Stadium will once more prove a happy hunting ground.

This is the third year the National Sevens have been at Rotorua and so far Wellington has come away with winners (beating Auckland in the final in 2014) and runners-up (missing out to Waikato in the final in 2015) medals. 

Rangihuna will lead an experienced team, featuring four survivors from the 2014 side in Greg Foe, Hayden Schrijvers, Murphy Taramai and Lote Raikabula and others such as Upper Hutt Rams pair Max Pearson and Jordan Simpson-Hefft knocking on the door of national selection. Five of the 12-man squad plays for the Upper Hutt Rams, the current Wellington club Sevens champions.

Rangihuna has been in the Wellington Sevens team for two years and has proved an asset in previous tournaments for his decisive running and organisation, his long, accurate passing and his tidy kicking when he assumes those duties.

His appointment as Wellington Sevens skipper is the first time he has led any team. What qualities does the Hutt Old Boys Marist halfback bring to the role?

"I was surprised to be named captain. It's something I haven't done before, but I think my communication skills and experience will benefit the team," he says.

The former New Zealand U20 rep and Wellington Lion believes captaincy has helped his game both on and off the field.

"It's helped me mature as a person. I have to lead by example which is something I haven't always done. I have learned greater patience and game management skills," he admits.

Wellington have been managing their build up to the National Sevens with a series of lead-up tournaments and with an extended squad of 25 players battling for 12 positions. Rangihuna believes the wider training group has enhanced the quality of players immeasurably.

"It's been a really good build-up. Having the wider training group has increased the depth of the squad and means nobody can slack off. The difference between the best player and the 25th best player is really small," he insists.

All 25 players have taken part in four warm up tournaments. Wellington won the Auckland Sevens, reached the semi-finals of both the Central Coast (Australia) and Central region Sevens and won the Plate at last weekend's Mount Maunguni Sevens.

Is Rangihuna satisfied with the progress Wellington is making? "Each tournament has been a stepping stone. We have learned more about each other and the style we want to play. I think we have a really balanced team," he explains.

Former New Zealand reps Murphy Taramai and Lote Rakibula and former Samoan rep and Wellington Lion Greg Foe are three of the biggest names. While Wellington Lion Jackson Garden-Bachop and sevens regular Hayden Schjivers will be key figures.

Wellington has drawn a tricky pool. Otago join Central Region Winners Hawke's Bay and Mount Maunganui champions Taranaki.

"Every team is tough. Getting preparation right off the field and working harder than everybody else will be the key to success," Rangihuna says.

The Wellington Sevens team for this weekend’s Nationals Sevens is:

Sheridan Rangihuna (Hutt Old Boys Marist, Captain)
Murphy Taramai (Upper Hutt Rams)
Hayden Schrijvers (Upper Hutt Rams)
Greg Foe (Poneke)
Lote Raikabula (Marist St Pat’s)
Isaia Petelo (Marist St Pat’s)
Te Wehi Wright (Old Boys University)
Lise Soloa (Hutt Old Boys Marist)
Nua Fono-Hunt (Upper Hutt Rams)
Jordan Simpson-Hefft (Upper Hutt Rams)
Max Pearson (Upper Hutt Rams)
Jackson Garden-Bachop (Northern United

Wellington’s games on Day one are:

• 11.25am v Otago (field 1)
• 3.15 pm v Hawke’s Bay (field 2)
• 5.35 pm v Taranaki (field 1)

For the full draw visit: http://www.nationalsevens.co.nz/draw/