Hong Kong Sevens: New Zealand pick a finally fit Tim Mikkelson, then injury strikes again
- All Blacks name experienced side for first tournament of the season, with several players returning to fitness – but new Achilles blow thwarts unlucky Mikkelson
- They face a tough pool in Hong Kong, drawn alongside World Series champions Australia, plus Samoa and the hosts
No sooner had New Zealand announced Tim Mikkelson was to make his long-awaited return from injury at this weekend’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, than the unfortunate veteran picked up a new strain and was ruled out.
An Achilles tendon injury in training proved Mikkelson’s undoing this time and he was swiftly replaced by youngster Brady Rush in the 13-man squad.
One of the world’s most decorated sevens players, Mikkelson had been poised to feature in his first tournament since he helped his country to claim the silver medal in the men’s sevens competition at the Tokyo Olympics last year – and his first on the regular circuit since March 2020 in Vancouver.
Hong Kong was set to be his 99th international sevens tournament.
Having been sidelined for much of last season by a groin problem, Mikkelson’s presence in the squad had been described by All Blacks Sevens head coach Clark Laidlaw as a “huge inspiration”, bringing “invaluable” experience.
It was a cruel turn of events for the 36-year-old, who in training had recorded his fastest-ever speeds as he fought back to top condition. Laidlaw had said that he had “never seen a reaction to a name in a team naming before quite like when his name appeared – everybody is so pleased he is back”.
