Kiwis, Fiji in Wellington showdown

A head to head clash between arch rivals New Zealand and Fiji will be the climax of the opening day's play at the 2005 New Zealand International Sevens - Round Three of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens series.

Tournament director Steve Dunbar says that's just one of the highlights of the draw released for the New Zealand leg of the IRB Sevens to be held at the Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on February 4 and 5.

Dunbar said "Fiji will be keen to avenge their loss to New Zealand the last time the two met".

The Kiwis overpowered Fiji in the final of the second round of the IRB Sevens in George, South Africa, earlier this month.

Another highlight the fans of the sold out tournament are sure to enjoy is the pool game between the crowd pleasing Kenyans and New Zealand, scheduled to kick off at 15.12 local time (02.12 GMT) on the Friday afternoon.

The pools for the AXA New Zealand International Sevens are:

Pool A: England, Samoa, Canada, Niue
Pool B: New Zealand, Fiji, Kenya, USA
Pool C: South Africa, France, Scotland, Japan
Pool D: Argentina, Australia, Tonga, Cook Islands

New Zealand are the current IRB Sevens series, as well as World Cup Sevens champions and have won the last two tournaments held in Wellington.

But it won't be an easy road for New Zealand at home as the extra pressure of the upcoming Rugby World Cup Sevens in March 2005 is adding to the fierce competition.

England are expected to be strong contenders after beating Fiji in the Final of the opening tournament of the 2004/05 IRB Sevens in Dubai.