Basics, defence key: Tietjens

THE ICTSI PNG Palais take on world champions New Zealand in their opening Pool A match in today’s Sydney 7s (Feb 1-3) with coach Paul Tietjens giving his side a chance to surprise them.
Teitjens told The National his team were fitter than in their last major tournament (Oceania 7s in December) and the team’s core group of players had been together for over two years, giving them enough talent and experience not to be overwhelmed by the No.1 seed.
“Our main focus is to do the basics well,” Tietjens said.
“We know they are a physical side so we have to match them in the contact and also maintain possession.
“We have to hold on to possession, slow the pace down and our defence has to be tight.”
The 30-year-old from Tauranga, New Zealand, who took up the coaching reins last year, said keeping the margin low against the Kiwis would be satisfying.
“We know they’re world champions but we’ve also made improvements and if we can hold on to the ball as long as possible we can score some tries and keep the score respectable, that would be a step in the right direction,” Tietjens said.
“The team has imporved their fitness by a level since last year’s Oceania 7s so I’m expecting a strong effort from the girls.”
Tietjens said sevens was an unpredictable game sometimes and upsets were always possible.
“The women’s sevens is so competitive. At the last tournament China actually led New Zealand 5-0 at halftime so we know that if we can put points on and defend well anything is possible,” he said.
Pool A Fixtures: Fri, Feb 1 – PNG v NZ (12.06pm), PNG v England (2.50pm), PNG v France (5.12pm). All matches live on TV WAN Action.
Palais: Debbie Kaore, Geua Larry, Kymlie Rapilla, Taiva Lavai, Gemma Schnaubelt, Cassandra Sampson, Fatima Rama; Reserves: Helen Abau, Mala Mark, Gwen Pokana, Lynette Kwarula, Yolanda Gittins, Anika Butler, Melanie Kawa.