Bryce Heem keen to make his mark [Marlborough Express]

Sevens wizard Heem looking set to make his mark

Bryce Heem is set to unleash his considerable rugby skills on the Tasman rugby scene next week – and he can't wait.

The New Zealand sevens star and former Auckland and Northland ITM Cup outside back, arrived in Picton this week as he prepares to play the rest of the club season with Marlborough club Waitohi.

The 23-year-old hasn't played 15s rugby for a while, having spent the past few months with the world championship series-winning New Zealand sevens side. His most recent rugby was a sevens tournament, which he likened to cricket's IPL competition, in Sri Lanka.

Having signed to play for the Tasman Makos this year, Heem said it's not too difficult changing focus from sevens rugby to 15s.

"It's just a longer game, that's all.

"More players on the field, not as much room. Just a matter of getting your positional play right and being aware of where you are on the field."

Having played sevens under legendary taskmaster Gordon Tietjens, fitness won't be an issue and Heem said in that department he's ready to play.

A winger in most of his ITM Cup matches for Auckland and Northland, Heem will be closer to the action for his new club.

"I'm playing centre for Waitohi. I went to training this week and they seem like a good bunch of guys.

"It's quite a similar environment to up north [Northland]."

Seeking higher honours was Heem's main motivation for moving to Marlborough and Tasman.

"I wanted a change of scene, to try and get into a different Super franchise area. Leon MacDonald got in touch with my manager and talked to me. He painted a good picture really."

Heem wants to play Super rugby next year and hopes different sets of eyes watching him will make a difference if he can play well in the ITM Cup. He's not fussed about which franchise might pick him up. His arrival at Picton is a big boost for the defending champions who, after a poor start to the season, have hit their straps over the past six weeks.

Heem's combination with Makos prospect, first-five Daniel Hawkins, is sure to cause plenty of headaches for opposition defences.

Waitohi coach Nathan Peipi was obviously thrilled with Heem's arrival at the club and said he's already made an impression. "The boost for the boys is huge. ou could see the boys grow another leg at training this week when Bryce arrived and he hadn't even trained with us at that stage."

Nelson and Wakatu Marist contest the all-Nelson Tasman Trophy final tomorrow at Trafalgar Park, with kick-off at 3pm.