Ratu earns jersey for Singapore

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Head Coach Gareth Baber named a strong 12-member team for the 8th leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Singapore this weekend and says the boys are prepared and ready for the battle.

Baber has maintained the core group who won the 5th Hong Kong 7s title in a row, making one change with long term extended squad member Napolioni Ratu replacing Terio Tamani.

Baber said Ratu has proved himself during the build up this week and across the season and he is excited to see him get his chance.

“Napolioni is a young man who is blessed with talent. We’ve worked together a lot, and now it’s time to see how he turns that talent into international potential.”

Captain Paula Dranisinukula will lead the front line alongside Sevuloni Mocenecagi, Josua Vakurinabili and Ratu Meli Derenelagi who were dominant in last week’s tournament with Apenisa Cakaubalavu and Isoa Tabu adding depth to the forward pack.

Jerry Tuwai will again master the back-line together with speedsters Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and ever consistent Filimoni Botitu plus Livai Ikanikoda, who was impressive in his first tournament back after seven years.

Baber said it has been a week of regrouping and polishing up a few areas, with the key to consistency being continued reflection and improvement.

“We know the challenge ahead of us, starting with Canada tomorrow afternoon.  It’s six finals as always and one game at a time, but the boys have prepared well, they’re focussed, fit and ready to give it everything” he said.

Fiji sits in Pool A and meets Canada at 4.36pm FJT tomorrow before taking on Scotland at 8.02pm FJT and South Africa at 11.28pm FJT. 

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s tournament team for the 2019 Hong Kong 7s.

1. Sevuloni Mocenacagi
2. Josua Vakurinabili
3. Isoa Tabu
4. Paula Dranisinukula (C)
5. Apenisa Cakaubalavu
6. Ratu Meli Derenalagi
7. Filimoni Botitu
8. Livai Ikanikoda
9. Jerry Tuwai
10. Alasio Naduva
11. Aminiasi Tuimaba
12. Napolioni Ratu

13. Asaeli Tuivoka