Perth SVNS Team Profile: New Zealand

Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 4:18 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Jorja Miller and the NZ side are looking to defend their Australian titles. Photo: Getty Images
Jorja Miller and the NZ side are looking to defend their Australian titles. Photo: Getty Images

New Zealand will be eager to get 2024 off to a strong start as they head to Perth with a pair of title contending teams.

Both sides came away with titles in Sydney last year, completing a rare sweep of the World Series in 2022-23.

Don’t miss HSBC SVNS Perth in 2024: 26-28 January at HBF Park. Get your tickets now!

They have started the 2023-24 SVNS Series slow for their standards, which only means it's a matter of when, not if, they claim silverware in 2024.

Here is everything you need to know about New Zealand ahead of the Perth Sevens!

Men’s
When they joined Sevens (as a core side)

1999-2000

Highest overall finish

First (2019-20) 

Tournament wins

67

2022-23 World Series finish

First 

Recent tournament results 

Dubai: Third

Cape Town: Fifth

Highest ever Australia Sevens Tournament finish

First (2023)

X Factor: Scott Curry

Curry is a veteran of the Sevens Series, scoring just under 150 tries in 305 matches.

The 36-year-old has won nearly everything in Sevens, however, the prospect of an Olympic gold continues to drive him.

In a squad that is undergoing a facelift, Curry's influence grows in importance by the round.

Scott Curry is a veteran of the Sevens World Series and the Kiwi side
Scott Curry is a veteran of the Sevens World Series and the Kiwi side. Photo: Getty Images
Women’s
When they joined Sevens (as a core side)

2012-13 

Highest overall finish

First (2022-23) 

Tournament wins

33

2022-3 World Series finish

First 

Recent tournament results 

Dubai: Second

Cape Town: Third

Highest ever Australia Sevens Tournament finish

First (2023)

X Factor: Jorja Miller

Jorja Miller is the latest freakish talent coming through New Zealand Rugby ready to take on the world.

The 19-year-old has already signed with New Zealand Rugby until 2027, the largest contract by a woman in New Zealand.

Given her talent, it's easy to see why NZR were so keen to tie her down long-term. Miller was a runaway winner of Rookie of the Year, almost single-handling dragging NZ to victory in the Dubai Final.

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