Last chance for rowers at 'regatta of death'

The last chance is looming for the New Zealand men's rowing eight as they prepare to head to Europe for the regatta of death.

The Kiwis will take on USA, China and the Czech Republic next month in a winner takes all race, where the top crew will qualify for the London Olympics.

Bow seat David Eade says they've only had a short time together and have made huge progress.

"Coming along quite well. I mean, we've got a week left 'til we go and so onto the final points now. Done most of the base work that we've got to do so from now on in it's probably a mental game, and I think we're on the right track."

Eade rates where they're at.

"Started at seven and a half, gives us a bit of room to move but I think it is coming along. I think, yeah, as I said before, it's just the top few inches now."

The eight need to win their race and the four need to be top two to go to London.

The eight was only put together in February and Eade says considering the time frame, they're going well.

"Everyone's from different backgrounds, it's like in every sort of case, business or whatever it is," he says.

"You get your different upbringings, and you get your different, I guess, your different, your cultures, different morals, and it's just bringing them all together on the same page to achieve this one goal."

The lightweight four also have to compete in the regatta, with a top two finish in Lucerne securing their place in London.

Photo: The 2012 NZ Olympic rowing team (Nigel Yalden)