Baber names powerful side to hit the field in Vegas.
Gareth Baber has named the 13 player Fiji Airways Fijian 7s tournament team to contest the USA 7s at Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas this weekend.
Earlier this week Baber hinted that power and physicality would be a key on the narrower surface in Vegas and staying true to word has named a strong forward line in anticipation of such conditions.
Mesulame Kunavula, Paula Dranisinukula, Kalione Nasoko, Ratu Meli Derenelagi, Josua Vakurunabili and debutant Isoa Tabu will stack the forward line for Fiji with Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Terio Tamani, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Filimoni Botitu firing the back line.
Sevuloni Mocenecagi has been named as 13th man and is unavailable for the pool matches, serving out the remaining 3 game suspension carried over from Sydney, but will ready for Baber to call on the powerful enforcer should the need arise on Day 2 of competition.
With a solid week on the training track Baber says his players are looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“All players have prepared well and shown focus over our time here in Vegas so far and all are fit and ready to go.”
“We had our Captains Run and stadium visit this morning and will use the rest of the day to create focus, then tomorrow it’s about delivery.”
Fiji begin their assault on the USA 7s against Scotland at 11.22am Saturday (FJT), before meeting Wales at 2.23pm Saturday (FJT). They pick up their pool games on Sunday / Day 2 against Australia at 7.52am (FJT).
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s USA 7s Tournament Team
1. Mesulame Kunavula
2. Kalione Nasoko
3. Paula Dranisinukula
4. Rt Meli Derenelagi
5. Josua Vakurunabili
6. Isoa Tabu
7. Jerry Tuwai
8. Waisea Nacuqu
9. Terio Tamani
10. Filimoni Botitu
11. Alasio Naduva
12. Aminiasi Tuimuba
13. Sevuloni Mocenecagi
Asaeli Tuivoka, who arrived on Tuesday had a bit of flu and while settled in well, was still feeling weak and has started to train well and fit in with the Team.