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Coaches Ramsey Tomokino and Andrew Strawbridge have named the final Auckland Sevens squad to compete at the National Sevens Championships in Queenstown this weekend: 1. Ed Cocker (vice captain) – College Rifles 2. Charles Piùtau - Pakuranga 3. Irwin Finau – Grammar Carlton 4. Iopu Iopu – Grammar Carlton 5. Olajuwon Noa - Otahuhu 6. Rocky Khan – Grammar Carlton 7. Tutu Tairea (captain) – Grammar Carlton 8. George Moala – Grammar Carlton 9. Jordan Puletua - Ponsonby 10. Kyle Nu’uali’itia - Waitakere 11. Aaron Smith – Marist 12. Niko Ratumaitavuki – Ponsonby Non-travelling reserves named: Sam Nash - Marist Stephen Briscoe – Teachers Eastern Unavailable due to injury: Mana Ashford – Waitemata Chad Tuoro – Ponsonby Auckland Sevens head coach Ramsey Tomokino said the assembled squad was short on experience but not on talent as they head into the 2010 nationals as underdogs for one of the first years given recent performances at the Red Bull and Bay of Plenty Sevens “This would have to be the youngest team we have had travelling to the Nationals in my years of involvement,” Tomokino said. “Nine of this squad are under 21 years of age, with five players being involved with the Auckland Under-20 Colts side. Charles Piutau is out of Wesley College, a New Zealand Schools winger and George Moala is one year out of school but both are very exciting prospects,” he said. Tutu Tairea is a young captain at just 21 years of age who will be well assisted by the experienced Ed Cocker as vice captain.
Mana Ashford would have led the side to his 11th Nationals tournament however a hamstring injury sustained during training on Christmas day and further aggravated at the Bay of Plenty Sevens last week put paid to Mana travelling.
Mana’s experience will be missed however the team has plenty of faith in Tutu Tairea to lead the side.
The Nationals will be televised on Sky Sports on both days
