Fiji Airways Men’s 7s for London 7s

Fiji Airways Men’s 7s Coach, Gareth Baber has named a strong team for the London 7s this weekend, which includes two new inclusions.

Semi Radradra and 2016 Olympic Gold medallist, Josua Tuisova have been included in the team while the majority of the team who have been playing in the HSBC World 7s Series and recently won the Singapore 7s have been retained by Baber.  Due to the intense competition for places in the team, Alasio Naduva has been named as the 13^th player to be on standby.

The Fiji Airways 7s team, currently leads the HSBC World 7s Series points table, with 145 points and South Africa is in second place with 141 points.

Heading into the London 7s this weekend, the penultimate round of the men’s world series, the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team have drawn three tough opponents; Cape Town and Vegas finalists Argentina, double London winners Scotland and Commonwealth champions New Zealand. Three teams, with three entirely different approaches to the game of sevens.

“There are two or three different style in our pool approaching London,” said Baber.  “Argentina, they have an intensity without the ball, they look to go hard at you early in attack and defence so we have been getting prepared for that element.”

“Scotland, the threat there is akin to Northern Hemisphere sevens, creating width on the game with good passing skills, and coming onto the ball at pace. New Zealand? We pretty much go toe-to-toe with them.”

Baber said that Radradra and Tuisova’s inclusion in the camp was a breath of fresh air but it also made selection very difficult.

“Competition for places in the team was intense as the players fought hard to prove their worth for a spot.  “I have had to select the best players as we target to win the tournament.  He has also thanked the supporters for their continuous prayers and support.

Baber also confirmed that Mesulame Kunavula was suffering from minor hamstring injuries and was not considered for selection.

 

 

 

 

 

The Selected Players are:

1) Sevuloni Mocenacagi

2) Josua Vakurunabili

3) Kalione Nasoko

4) Paula Dranisinukula

5) Semi Radradra

6) Jasa Veremalua

7) Josua Tuisova

8) Vatemo Ravouvou

9) Jerry Tuwai (c)

10) Waisea Nacuqu

11) Eroni Sau

12) Amenoni Nasilasila