Etene Nanai-Seturo has again been included in the New Zealand sevens team for this weekend's tournament in Hamilton, desipte a contract saga raging around the young star.

The 18-year-old is caught in a middle of a contract tug-of-war between the Warriors, who he signed a five-year deal with three years ago, and New Zealand Rugby.

Nanai-Seturo made his sevens debut in Sydney last week and the Warriors were highly critical of New Zealand Rugby's decision to select him for that event.

Elsewhere, NZ sevens coach Clark Laidlaw has made two changes from the team that finished fifth in Sydney, with Joe Webber and Caleb Clarke replacing Andrew Knewstubb, ruled out with concussion, and Kurt Baker, who moves to 13th man.

A promising outing by Auckland and Blues wing Clarke in the final match against Fiji in Sydney saw him retain his place alongside Nanai-Seturo.

"We always said these two weeks were about giving younger players an opportunity even though they are two big tournaments," Laidlaw said.

"There were glimpses from the both of them in the weekend that they can play at this level which is really exciting – they are two 18-year-olds playing sevens for the first time.

"This is the last tournament before we name the wider squad for Commonwealth Games so for Caleb and Etene to be in the 12 and get game time is important."

Fifth place in Sydney, after winning the previous tournament in Cape Town, fell short of expectations but Laidlaw said the team has reflected and know where improvement is needed.

"Our game is settling down now and we understand what works for us. Sometimes we fall back into bad habits; the game against Australia we made a few bad decisions and let them get momentum in the game.

"That is frustrating but the way we bounced back showed there was a real hunger in the team to play well. We want to win a World Series so every point you play for is crucial."

On coming up against France, Scotland and Argentina in pool play, Laidlaw said it is a tricky proposition.

"We're realistic, they are three good teams that can beat anyone. Day one will be hard to find rhythm because they are physical teams that like to challenge the breakdown and disrupt your game.

"We are clear how we need to play; physical, get the ball and keep it and give good front foot ball to our play makers and hopefully they can break the game open.

"As a player and coach you always want to play at home. We are loving being here in Hamilton, it feels familiar, the guys have been able to spend some time with family. Come Saturday, the crowd will lift us and give us an advantage and we're going to embrace it."

Saturday 3 February

1.20pm v France 
4.46pm v Scotland 
8.34pm v Argentina

Sunday 4 February 
Finals Day