OPINION: The All Black Sevens are in a rut. It's been more than a year since they've won a World Series tournament, and they've gone nine straight events without making it to a final.
Once world beaters, they're now struggling to keep up with the likes of South Africa, Fiji and England.
The Hong Kong Sevens, starting Friday (NZ time) is the perfect opportunity for them to make a statement. Coach Scott Waldrom labelled the tournament the Holy Grail of Sevens, and New Zealand are crying out for some magic to kick-start their season.
The game has grown since its introduction to the Olympics, leading to greater investment and interest amongst the other nations. But there's no doubt New Zealand's slipped off the pace; alarmingly so. They haven't won the Word Series since the 2013-14 season, finishing third the last two years.
A lack of star power is an issue. Aside from captain Scott Curry, veteran DJ Forbes and Tim Mikkleson, there aren't many recognisable names, and the latter two are closer to the end of their careers than the start. Put simply, it doesn't seem like people want to play Sevens anymore.
Case in point: Ardie Savea turned down the opportunity to play for Olympic medals for the lure of an All Blacks jersey.
New Zealand are finding it tough to seize those crucial moments that Sir Gordon Tietjens' sides used to nail. Meanwhile, South Africa have made every final this season while England and Fiji have made three.
New Zealand's best finish: third on two occasions.
Hong Kong is a grand stage and a chance for them to show they're still a force in the game.
Curry, Mikkleson and Forbes need to lead from the front with their experience, and the side need to put the ball in the hands of 18-year old Vilimoni Koroi, the teenager with the electric footwork and intelligence to lead them out of their slump.
Henry Rounce is a Newshub intern.
