The All Blacks Sevens team admit they won't be at their best for their home tournament.
New Zealand haven't won a tournament on the world series since the last Wellington event 12 months ago, with the subsequent seven-tournament drought the longest endured by veteran coach Sir Gordon Tietjens.
His team share sixth place after two legs this season but rather than desperately chase victory this weekend, Tietjens says having his team peaking for August's Rio Olympics takes priority.
"We usually look to win every tournament but this is a different year," he said.
"I'm looking to provide players with opportunities so I get the balance and the selection right heading through to Rio."
Tietjens has overhauled the team who struggled through the first two legs in Dubai and Cape Town in December.
More than half his 12-man squad have played Super Rugby, including All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams and Augustine Pulu, in a serious departure from his usual lineup of sevens specialists.
Much interest will surround their performance in Wellington, although Tietjens is certain they won't hit their potential until later in the world series.
Even the likes of athletic loose forwards Akira Ioane and Ardie Savea, who have shone previously in sevens, will take time.
"The progress over the last 10 days has been quite immense really but it's fair to say in their second tournament and the third tournaments, they'll be a lot better," Tietjens said.
"They've all got the skill sets but this first tournament will be a real challenge making that transition."
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