Fiji Airways Fijian 7s battle ready for Paris 7s.

Paris 7s name could be inked into the Fijian history if our Fiji Airways Fijian 7s gladiators are crowned the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Champions on Monday next week.

Hats-off to Coach Gareth Baber and his brigade for fronting all the critics and proving it wrong this season. Losing a few of the key players during the season hasn’t been any easy one for Baber and the current players in the side.

After locking a wonderful victory in London last weekend, the Fijian 7s side had a smooth build-up to the Paris tournament in the weekend.

Baber said the side has had healthy training sessions and the players carrying niggling injuries have been cleared off. 

“We are in good shape. Obviously the London tournament was a tough one where we got through with minimal injuries.

“Paula didn’t train on Monday and Tuesday recovering from a knee injury. Jerry is back on the field as well after coming back from injury. The boys are on day off tomorrow before the captain run and the match over the weekend” he said.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side is pooled with Ireland, England and Argentina at the Paris tournament.

Baber said they are well aware of the threats playing against their opponents and will prepare accordingly.

“The game plan remains the same. There is three teams which are capable of putting up a great performance on the day. We have beaten them all recently so the game plans we had during those games will be pretty similar.”

With 14 players at their best form right now, Baber said him and his management will have to really dig deep to select the final 12-man squad for the Paris 7s.

He highlighted “Eight of the players have never been to London or Paris. I think the players take pride in their team, they put in all their efforts and have contributed well so far.”

Fiji sits on top of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings with 162 points, two ahead of second placed USA while New Zealand is third with 143 points and South Africa fourth with 131 points.

Baber said they are looking forward to the Paris 7s knowing there is a lot to achieve this weekend.

“It has come down to one tournament and if we win the Paris 7s title we take the series title. It not easy to do that but we will try and repeat what we did during the Hong Kong and Singapore leg.”

They take on England in the first match at 10.50pm {FJT} on Saturday then faces Argentina at 2.16am {FJT} ON Sunday, before meeting Ireland in the final pool match on 5.42am {FJT}.