Baber names team for London 7s

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber has named his 12-member squad for the HSBC London 7s which kicks this afternoon.

Baber has opted for experience in the forwards with an in form pack ready to take hold of the title defence.

“The players have showed sheer determination and given their best in every training run we have had in London so far. They’re in their rhythm and concentrating on the games we have to play this weekend.”

Captain Paula Dranisinukula will take charge, guided by robust forward Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Apenisa Cakaubalavu and the sensational Meli Derenalagi.

Waisea Nacuqu returns into squad and will marshal the backline together with Jerry Tuwai who missed the Singapore 7s last month.

Speedster Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and the consistent Filimoni Botitu will bring more of the Fijian fire power that we’ve seen across the season to date.

Isoa Tabu is listed as 13th man with Napolioni Ratu will be waiting in the wings should he be called in across the tournament.

Baber said “It was a very difficult decision to make as all the players showed great potential and were on their toes through-out the week.

Napolioni and Isoa are both developing players and maturing with every experience.”

“We know the challenge ahead of us, starting with Kenya tomorrow afternoon. It’s six finals as always and one game at a time, but the boys have prepared well, they’re focussed, fit and ready to give it everything” he said.

Fiji sit in Pool B and meet Kenya at 9.36pm {FJT} tomorrow, then faces France 12.42am {FJT} Sunday morning and battles it out against Samoa at 3.48am {FJT}

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team for London 7s

1. Sevuloni Mocenacagi
2. Josua Vakurunabili
3. Apenisa Cakaubalavu
4. Paula Dranisinukula
5. Meli Derenalagi
6. Asaeli Tuivoka
7. Filimoni Botitu
8. Waisea Nacuqu
9. Jerry Tuwai
10. Alosia Naduva
11. Aminiasi Tuimaba
12. Livai Ikanikoda
13. Isoa Tabu