Tietjens Defends SBW's Sevens Performance

Sir Gordon Tietjens has jumped to the defence of marquee player Sonny Bill Williams and how he's adapted to rugby sevens.

Former All Black Murray Mexted claims Williams simply isn't up to the unique skills required in sevens, such as contesting kickoffs and playing a key part in scrums.

But, his national coach said Williams is meeting all the targets and expectations to be a key part of their Olympic campaign.

"He's well on track. He's got a superb attitude. I mean, defensively, first class and you need to be a good defender in the game of Sevens."

Tietjens said Williams has been extremely influential, including over the weekend in Hong Kong.

He said Williams is still developing, and is well on track to peak in time for Rio.

With three tournaments remaining, if Williams stays injury free, "we'll see someone who's excelling in the game of sevens," said Tietjens.

Former skipper DJ Forbes will miss this week's tournament in Singapore after a heavy workload in Hong Kong, joining injured players Tim Mikkelson, Lewis Ormond, Sam Dickson and Pita Ahki on the plane home.

Tietjens said Forbes had a huge weekend in Hong Kong, in the absence of the injured Tim Mikkelson.

"I need to freshen him up and get him right for these next two tournaments in Paris and London he played a huge role in the weekend and also he led the team as well."

Tietjens said he's on the verge of confirming several players to come and join the team as injury cover.

Three New Zealand referees have been confirmed to control sevens matches at the Rio Olympics.

Nick Briant, Richard Kelly and Jess Beard are part of a panel of 12 men and 12 women who will take charge of games across the six days of competition.

Long-time 15-a-side referee Craig Joubert will officiate some men's matches.

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