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7s as good as Dubai 7s, says Kiwi coach Mansill
By Shamseer Jaleel
The manager of the New Zealand rugby team Keith Mansill from the
Centurion in Wellington found time from his busy schedule to answer
some questions whilst on a visit to Sri Lanka for the Singer Sri
Lankan sevens in Kandy.
This tournament
which was first held in 1999 celebrating 125 years of the Kandy
Sports Club is recognized by the International Rugby Board (I R
B ). From next year onwards 24 teams will take part with some top
nations such as Fiji, Australia, New Zealand South Africa, England
and Ireland, who will be sending there first sides. This will be
a World Cup sevens qualifier for the 2005 tournament to be held
in Hong Kong.
Sunday
Times: At what age is rugby introduced to kids in New Zealand?
A. We
introduce rugby to kids of both sexes at the age around seven years.
After this stage when they are around 12 years they are grouped
according to their size and height. This gives a fair chance for
the young kids.
ST:
At school level what are the strong teams?
A. We have some very good sides from Auckland Grammar school,
Hamilton Boys High school, Fielding Boys High school and the Farming
Community Boys from Wellington.
ST:
What is the age limit they are introduced to club level?
A. They are given the exposure to represent the clubs at
the age around 20 years.
ST:
How many divisions are there in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch?
A. In Auckland we have 30 different club teams in three
groups, Wellington has premier, senior division 1 and senior division
2 and in Christchurch there are 2 senior divisions.
ST:
How many national selectors are there in your country?
A. Each province has one national selector who will identify
15 players from each province and a pool of around 60 is selected
and sent for the coaching camp.
ST:
Which teams participate in the Super 12s?
A. We have five teams from New Zealand, four from South
Africa and three from Australia. Our teams are The Auckland 'Blues',
Canterbury 'Crusaders', Otago 'Highlanders', Wellington 'Hurricanes'
and the Waikato 'Chiefs'.
ST:
Is there any chance for the star winger Jonah Lomu to make a come
back?
A. It is a very sad story as he will find it difficult
with his replacement of the kidney and it wont be easy for him to
find a place in the squad of 30 players. As we have enough young
players and we are looking for the future who will be able to play
for the All Blacks at least for 5 or more years.
ST:
What is your prediction on the next months World Cup to be held
in Australia?
A. England are the favourates to win and New Zealand, France,
South Africa and Australia also have a good chance.
ST:
As you have toured for so many IRB recognized tournaments how do
you rate the singer Sri Lanka Sevens?
A. I can easily put this tournament at top level such as
the Hong Kong Sevens and the Dubai Sevens. The tournament was worked
off on time and the facilities for the players was also good. For
a club to achieve this within a short period of five years is magnificent.
The ground was in excellent condition and there were no serious
injuries to any players. The crowd was around 20000 is good for
rugby. The first time when I came to this beautiful island I only
thought cricket reigned supreme. But I am going to take this news
to my country and there will be a big crowd for next year's tournament
without any doubt. A big hand should be given to the organizing
committee headed by Isfahan Omar.
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