Baber’s leaders paving the way.

The Fiji Airways Fiji 7s squad were met by a rousing reception as they landed back in Nadi on return from their successful start to the HSBC World Sevens Series.

Head Coach Gareth Baber applauded his squad for their resilience and determination, as the players departed for a well earned week of rest with family and friends.

“If we look at the tour as a combination of the two tournaments and the players that went away,  we won 11 games out of 12, which I think is a top record going in and the sort of consistency I want” he said.

“Obviously we lost one big game in Dubai which dropped us down the ladder a little bit in terms of the points, but it was a great response going back into Cape Town. We haven’t won in Cape Town for a number of years and I think that everybody in Fiji wanted us to do that, so it was a good response from the players.”

Fiji scored the highest number of tries and grew in strength defensively across the opening rounds of the HSBC Series but it was the blooding of fresh talent and impressive leadership from senior players that was arguably the most significant outcome for Baber.

“I’m particularly proud of the senior players and the leadership group and the way they helped guide these young players into their positions. Its tough for a young player to come in and you need good leadership in the group and the right culture around them to ensure when they get the chance to shine they can go and do that” said Baber.

“I was immensely proud of Kali (Nasoko) and Jerry (Tuwai).  Jerry came into some heavy criticism last season, but he’s still a Captain (figuratively) and he’s very much performing the leadership element on field for us.”

“Kali is a born leader, same as Paula aswell. That’s what I like about the group, Jerry has always said, and so do the others, it is about the team and generating a winning atmosphere.  Jerry is very much a big part of that culture, and now Kali is aswell. “

As Tuwai continues to lead from the front with his trademark footwork and ball handling prowess, rumours have been circulating of his departure from the 7s circuit to follow fellow Olympian Jasa Veremalua to the USA, however Baber is adamant Jerry is committed to Fiji.

“I’ve had ongoing discussions with Jerry since these rumours began post World-Cup and he has assured me there is no truth to the conversation and he is focussed solely on his role with our team and this season’s HSBC Series.”

“Jerry is an integral member of our team, he’s bounced back from all the criticism and is right where he needs to be to perform at his best and we look forward to seeing him contribute the same form he showed particularly in Cape Town.”

“Now we’ll have a couple blocks of three days training around Christmas, after this coming week break, it’s important that they have a rest and they get some time with their family and loved ones.  We’ve been away for a good 2.5 weeks, it’s always tough and they deserve some time to celebrate what they’ve achieved with their families and their loved ones.”