Fijiana 7s need big finish to secure Series position.

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s will be spurred by extra motivation at the Langford 7s in Canada this weekend as they fight to remain in the top 10 of the HSBC Women’s World Sevens Series.

The Fijiana 7s side currently sits in 10th place with 13 points, three ahead of bottom placed China who is likely to be relegated and replaced by Brazil next season. 

The Saiasi-Fuli-coached side will need to reach the quarterfinal this weekend to be on track to maintain their place in the top 11 regular teams. 

Fuli said “We need to grab six points in next two tournaments in Canada and France in-order to survive in the top tier.”

“Right now points is very vital and is crucial for our participation in Canada this week, our objective for this tournament in Canada is to secure those valuable points.”

The Fijiana 7s side will fight to the end as they have prepared for the Langford tournament in Canada.

The girls have completed a strong preparation phase on field alongside a series of community visits in Langford ahead of the tournament which kicks off on Sunday in Fiji.

Fuli said “The players have been working hard over the past few weeks and are determined to qualify through the pool in Canada.”

Fuli has named all seasonal players in his squad for the next tournament with the only omission from the team being veteran half-back and former Captain Ana Maria Roqica who failed to pass a medical assessment.

Serena Nagatalevu replaces her after being the 13th player in the Kitakyushu 7s in Japan last month.

Experienced players Rusila Nagasau, Asinate Savu, Raijieli Daveua and Lavenia Tinai will be charged with leading from the front in the pool matches.

“We’re working on the key areas that let us down from Japan, particularly a lack of concentration in defense especially one on one, also staying connected plus maintaining the shapes.”

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side is pooled with USA, Spain and France for the Langford 7s in Canada.

They begin its Pool C encounter against France at 6.50am FJT on Sunday, then faces USA at 9.55am FJT before playing Spain at 12.15am in its final pool match.

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s Squad

1. Lavenia Tinai
2. Asinate Savu
3. Raijieli Daveua
4. Vasiti Solikoviti
5. Paulini Korowaqa
6. Merewalesi Rokouono
7. Rusila Nagasau
8. Sereana Nagatalevu
9. Akanisi Sokoiwasa
10. Luisa Tisolo
11. Ana Maria Naimasi
12. Tokasa Seniyasi