Auckland Men’s Sevens coach Ed Cocker has named a talented side for the 2017 National Sevens.

Captained by All Blacks Sevens player Rocky Khan, the team features a mix of experienced talent and exciting potential.

“We have had a high turn over from last year’s squad but it helps that there is a core group mentoring specific young players and helping with their development," said Cocker.

Experience comes in the form of Khan, Lolagi Visinia and sevens stalwarts Jeremy Innes and Tutu Tairea.

“I’m thankful to Lolagi,” said Cocker of the Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup player.

“He could have easily had a break after the Mitre 10 Cup season but he made it clear that he wanted to have another crack at sevens.”

On the other end of the scale, Visinia’s younger brother Sebastian is one of two school-boys alongside Mosese Pepa.

Pepa starred for the Aorere College sevens team and also played in the New Zealand School Condor team last month.

“He is buzzing. I think he will be a real bolter. We have a lot of support around him which should give him the confidence to play to his potential,” said Cocker.

Mitre 10 Cup winger Joe Ravouvou has been included, after spending time with the Chiefs for their pre season training.

“We certainly have a lot of guys with out and out pace and some x-factor. But when it comes to sevens it’s just one mistake that can change the whole game. We feel we’ve prepared well to the standard we need to be.”

Auckland will play Wellington, Otago and Horowhenua Kapiti in pool play. Matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2.

The Auckland Men’s Sevens team is
Jeremy Innes
Sebastian Visinia
Joe Ravouvou
Lolagi Visinia
Rocky Khan (c) 
Ignacio Costa
Dave Afamasaga
Mosese Pepa
Ed Fidow
Jona Sawailau
Tutu Tairea
Brody Lam