Tietjens Confident Despite Injury Woes

Sir Gordon Tietjens has become accustomed to hurdles through his coaching career and believes he can bring his side through some newly presented obstacles.

Tim Mikkelson, Liam Messam and DJ Forbes are missing from the All Blacks Sevens at this weekend's world series tournament in Paris through injury, adding to an already overflowing casualty ward.

Tietjens said there's always been something new to deal with.

"It's been a real minefield. But we are getting over it and it is what it is. We're in a situation where we can still win the world series. We're sitting third, just fractionally behind South Africa and Fiji."

After banking an opening win over Russia, New Zealand meets Portugal and Kenya tonight.

Radio Sport