No holding back in Nabukeluvu

The Fiji Airways Men’s 7s elite training squad are relishing the opportunity to tackle some blood thirsty opponents at the Nabukeluvu-I-Ra 7s tournament in Kadavu this week.

The Gareth Baber coached squad travelled by boat on Tuesday night ready charge into the two day tournament.

“The Kadavu tournament is a great starting point for us, it’s a well organised tournament with some great opposition” said Baber.

“For us it’s a chance to get away, train and play a good number of games (7 or 8) against teams that will understandably want to have a go against us.”

“Getting into competition routine and performing at game intensity is critical to our preparations leading into Oceania and the HSBC World Sevens series and these local tournaments are perfect for us.”

“This is when I get to see the new and returning players in the competition enviornment, have them come together as a team as well as the individuals taking their opportunities.”

The Fiji Airways Men’s 7s ETS team (Elite Training Squad) were drawn in Pool 1 for the Nabukelevu-I-Ra 7s playing and won all three bruising encounters against Likuliku 38-0, Nisogoceva 36 -0 and Tavuki 34-0.

As the 2019 squad starts to formalise, Men’s 7s utility Paula Dranisinikula says the Nabukeluvu tournament has been a tough challenge against local competitors looking to prove a point against the best.

“This was my first time playing in Kadavu, but a few of the other boys have played here before.” he said.

“We expected to meet some tough teams, with some big hits against players who want to hurt us on the field.  We’ve been excited for that challenge.”

“Nothing in the HSBC Series will be as tough as playing against these teams here in Fiji.”

The Navuniivi, Navitilevu, Ra native also believes the players must use these local tournaments to take their opportunities and bring the squad together quickly.

“All the returning boys need to bring the new ones in and get them comfortable in the new atmosphere.”

“This journey (HSBC) is a tough one. For the boys joining in, they need to adapt very quickly, express themselves, not to be shy, show your talents, work hard and get down to the job.”

Following the Nabukelevu, Kadavu tournament, Baber will have another month to prepare for the Oceania 7’s, where his squad will be looking to launch into the 2019 season with a bang.

“Playing in this local tournament and hopefully one or two more before Dubai, gives us a chance to put in quality preparation in Fiji and for our Fijian supporters to follow the journey locally.”

“It’s cost effective and the players get to play in front of locals, in their local environment and against tough competitors.”

Dranisinikula says his squad have their focus firmly set on lifting the benchmarks for the season ahead.

“Last season we didn’t start very well, but our goal is to take the first four tournaments and put the points on the board.” “So to do that we have to work hard and come together quickly.  We’ve put in a good last four weeks, and are looking forward to the next two week block before Oceania.”

Quarter Finals are to be contested today from 11.30am.