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‘Mater of the game’ named All Blacks Sevens Head Coach
By Finn Morton
The All Blacks Sevens have revealed their new head coach for the 2024 season, with “master of the game” Tomasi Cama set to replace Clark Laidlaw in the role.
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Back in his playing days, the All Blacks Sevens legend was an icon of the sport. Alongside the likes of DJ Forbes and Tim Mikkelson, Cama played a key role in New Zealand’s dynastic period of success.
After hanging up the boots, Cama joined the All Blacks Sevens’ management team. Cama, 42, spent six seasons coaching under Clark Laidlaw as an assistant.
New Zealand Rugby has rewarded Cama for his unrivalled service to the All Blacks Sevens side by promoting from within.
Cama will step up to the plate as the new head coach of the men’s team for the 2024 season, and will remain in that role through until the end of the Paris Olympics in July.
NZR Head of Men’s High Performance Mike Anthony praised the incoming head coach for driving “a strong performance culture” within the All Blacks Sevens.
“Tomasi is a master of the game of sevens and an integral part of the DNA of this team, given his significant experience as both a player and a coach,” Anthony said.
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“He has mana within the playing squad and along with the management team has driven a strong performance culture and achieved success.
“The team are coming off the back of one of their most successful seasons in recent history and we know they are incredibly motivated to continue that form through to the 2024 Olympics.”
Outing All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw will return to the 15-man game next season after inking a deal with Super Rugby Pacific club the Hurricanes.
But, as far as replacements go, there are probably none better than Tomasi Cama.
Cama won a Commonwealth Games gold medal during his playing days, and is a Rugby World Cup Sevens champion both as a player and coach – although, this will be another step up.
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“Following on from Titch (Sir Gordon Tietjens) and Clark (Laidlaw) – they are big shoes to fill given what they have achieved with this team,” Cama said in a statement.
“I had to think quite hard about how I could make an impact in this role. The players and management here made the decision easier; they are great people and great at what they do.”
Euan Mackintosh will remain in his role as an assistant coach, while NZR will look to appoint another assistant in the future.
The new-look SVNS World Series gets underway on December 9-10 in Cape Town.
Following on from the first leg in South Africa, the Series will also go to Australia, Canada, USA, Hong Kong China, Singapore and Spain.
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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