Tietjens is hoping his side can bouce back to winning form in Dubai © Getty Images

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Teams: New Zealand

New Zealand 7s coach Gordon Tietjens has named a 17-man squad to prepare for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next month.

The squad, which assembles in Mt Maunganui from February 22-24, features 14 members of the current national sevens squad.

Newcomer Ben Souness (Taranaki) has been joined by Chiefs winger Sosene Anesi and Hurricanes loose forward Victor Vito, who have both previously starred for the team.

Tietjens said preparations had been hampered by recent injuries, but he was hopeful the players named today would focus quickly on the Rugby World Cup opportunity.

He said the preference was for players who had played sevens rugby, particularly in the New Zealand sevens team setup.

"Both players have played in the New Zealand team previously so that is a plus.

"Give our run of injuries, I am looking forward to working with this training squad to set up for and finalise the Rugby World Cup squad."

Tietjens said he was happy with the support from Super 14 players and coaching staff.

"For this year's tournament, we took the approach of asking players to advise their interest in being considered for the Rugby World Cup Sevens," Tietjens said.

"We then spoke to all the coaches about those players and how selection for the sevens might fit within the Super 14 season."

Edwin Cocker (broken leg), Solomon King (wrist), and Tim Mikkelson (shoulder) were not considered for selection due to injury.

The squad will be narrowed down to a tournament squad of 12 for the RWC Sevens, which will be announced at the end of the camp.

The squad is: Sosene Anesi (Waikato), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (captain, Counties Manukau), Paul Grant (Otago), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Tim Nanai Williams (Counties Manukau), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Willie Rickards (Southland), Julian Savea (Wellington), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Save Tokula (Waikato), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Tu Umaga Marshall (Wellington), Victor Vito (Wellington), Viliame Waqaseduadua (North Harbour).