New Zealand won the last of their six titles in 2017.
That tournament was in Georgia as well, so that is a good omen.
Muliaina, who plays his club rugby for University in the Dunedin division 1 grade, is a highly rated youngster.
He made his debut for the Southland Stags last season and was signed on a three-year deal by the Highlanders earlier in the year.
The 19-year-old has the X-factor and he is looking forward to testing himself against the best young players in the world and enjoying himself.
But the team are not just there to have fun.
"It’s been a little while [since New Zealand has won], so I guess we’re going to rewrite that script a little bit and go over there with a bit of flair and how we want to play the game," he said.
"Go in there and hopefully win."
Muliaina was born in Invercargill into a sporting family.
His uncle, Mils Muliaina, played 100 tests for the All Blacks during a glittering career.
His other uncle, Alesana Muliaina, played 19 games for the Stags and two for Waikato, and his father, Faolua Muliaina, clocked 15 games for the Stags.
"I used to go and watch my uncle’s All Black games as a little kid. Going to the changing rooms and seeing all of it.
"I was pretty young and can’t remember most of it. But seeing that sort of put a dream in myself," he said.
Older brother Rico Muliaina (21) has been a big influence on Mika as well. They featured during Southland Boys’ glorious 2023 title run.
Rico had overcome a cancer diagnosis the previous year and had to step in and play first five when Mika was ruled out for the Top Four finals due to an injury.
"We used to play together with Dad.
"So we always used to chuck a ball around. I was always trying to beat him. But he was probably getting the better of me most of the time."
New Zealand’s opening game at the tournament is against Japan on June 27. They play Scotland on July 3 and Italy on July 7.
There are four groups of four teams. The top-ranked team from each pool will go on to contest the semifinals, so there is no room for a hiccup during pool play.
Mika will have plenty of familiar faces around.
Former Highlanders assistant coach Kane Jury is coaching the team and will be assisted by Otago assistant coach Will Henry.
Otago manager Simon Wallace is managing the side, Otago team doctor Andrew Haren will take care of the team’s medical needs and former Highlanders flanker James Lentjes is also an assistant coach.
The playing squad includes Otago props Henry Stuart and Ethan Webber and former Otago Boys’ halfback Jackson Hughan, who represents Southland.
Dunedin club players Alex Arnold, Jimmy Taylor and Jay Reihana have been named as non-travelling reserves.
