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All Blacks Sevens surprised to be recognised in San Francisco

July 17, 2018

Andrew Knewstubb said the team had been stopped around the city for photos and autographs ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

The All Blacks Sevens team have been taken aback by the number of people recognising them in San Francisco ahead of the Sevens World Cup this weekend.

New Zealand’s women's and men's sevens teams have had a chance to see for themselves how much the game has grown.

The New Zealand men's side went through strength and conditioning exercises today.

The team have been tourists in the Bay Area with players enjoying a tour of Alcatraz Island and taking in a Giants' baseball game at AT&T Park, which is hosting the World Cup.

While playing tourist, rookie Andrew Knewstubb has been surprised by the number of fans. 

“It’s pretty weird, walking around the street and people stop you for a photo and an autograph and stuff, and know your name,” he said.

“It’s crazy to be on the other side of the world and people know who you are."

Coach Clark Laidlaw said the new city, new stadium and new tournament had definitely energised the team after what he admitted had been a long season.

“We’re all quite excited by a new city, a new venue, a new tournament format, keeping everyone on their toes,” he said.

He said the All Blacks Sevens’ attractive style of play would hopefully help World Rugby make more of an inroad into the US market.

The All Blacks Sevens will play the winner of Russia v Hong Kong in their first match on Saturday 21 July (kick off 3.31pm NZT).

The Black Ferns Sevens face Mexico in their opening match of the World Cup on Friday 20 July (kick off 6.50am Saturday 21 July NZT).

Every game of the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens will be live from July 21-23 on TVNZ’s Duke channel - Freeview 13, Sky 23, and streaming on tvnz.co.nz

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