By Ross Karl
Defending the Wellington Sevens crown has never been easy for New Zealand.
Gordon Tietjens' men have not won back-to-back home tournaments since 2005 and hope 2012 is the year to do it again.
As joint series leader, New Zealand does not necessarily need extra blessings.
But six different teams have won the Wellington leg - so the help is appreciated.
“All the other teams really get up for this tournament and especially with New Zealand being at home, the other countries want to get on top of you,” says New Zealand back Hosea Gear. “So I think trying to backup and defend that title is going to be a big task.”
Their campaign starts against Scotland and Japan tomorrow afternoon.
The biggest test for New Zealand comes last up on day one against Samoa. The former champions of course have a large amount of support and they are battling for top spot in the pool, which gives them a better quarter final.
But Samoa's star Uale Mai says upsets happen, so they cannot get ahead of themselves.
“It's a tough game. But I'm looking to the first game tomorrow. New Zealand is the last game,” says Mai.
The biggest cheer at the parade was also saved for last.
It is that expectation from the Kiwi public the defending champions must overcome.
“Especially being at home there's a little bit more pressure on us but the boys are just going to go out and do our best - so looking forward to the tournament,” says New Zealand forward Solomon King.
But if they can please the fans like Ardie Savea did today, they should be tough to beat.
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