New Zealand captain DJ Forbes has what it takes to become a full All Black. That is the opinion of Gordon Tietjens, New Zealand's coaching king-maker.
Forbes beat off competition from Fabian Juries and Uale Mai to be named the IRB International Sevens Player of the Year 2008 at the annual awards ceremony in London on Saturday.
The prize was due reward after he guided the New Zealanders to five successive tournament wins and a 47-match winning streak at the start of last season.
The 101kg, 6ft 2in captain, who plays prop in the short form of the game and flanker in 15s, is the perfect representation of a super-fit Tietjens disciple.
Tietjens set players of the ilk of Jonah Lomu and Joe Rokocoko on the path to greatness in the past, and Forbes is his latest leading light.
However, he is 26 next month and, given his success in the abridged version of the game, he could bec- ome pidgeonholed as a sevens specialist.
Tietjens thinks that would be a harsh assessment of Forbes's talents. "He could be an All Black, for sure. He is a great 15s player as well," said the 52-year-old coach.
"He is huge, and a key part of what we have achieved. I have had some great captains, in Eric Rush, Liam Messam and now DJ Forbes.
"He certainly deserved to win the IRB player of the year award, and watching him training this morning he is a player who leads by example. Nothing changes."
Tietjens recently signed a new two-year deal, which encompasses the World Cup in Dubai next March as well the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
His side have arrived in Dubai as comprehensive favourites to retain their crown, yet Tietjens has been keen to play down the expectations on his them.
There will be seven new faces in the 12-man squad who open their campaign against Wales at 9.30am today.
The are all virtually entirely unknown to anyone, but Tietjens has an incredible eye for talent.
Many of his most successful proteges were spotted playing in local touch rugby competitions in rural New Zealand.
He added: "I have got some very talented players who are certainly going to go a long way in New Zealand rugby.
"Whether it is too early or not, it is difficult to judge when you have 18 and 19-year-olds as they are still maturing. It is about gathering experience."
pradley@thenational.ae
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
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DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
