Traveling teams named for Hong Kong and Singapore 7s
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Head Coach Ben Gollings has named his 13-member squad to travel to Hong Kong and Singapore legs.
Rangy forward Joseva Talacolo makes his return to the final team after missing the past four legs due to injury. He is expected to provide the firepower in the pack against teams like Argentina and Samoa.
Also making his cut into the traveling squad are Police utility Suliano Volivoli and specialist halfback Terio Tamani. The duo played a pivotal role in Police Blue’s win at the Marist 7s last weekend.
Sevuloni Mocewnacagi is expected to provide depth in the forward with Josese Batirerega and Ponipate Loganimasi featuring for the first time in Hong Kong.
Napolioni Bolaca also gets the much-needed call together with Vuiviwa Naduvalo who was not considered for the Los Angeles and Vancouver 7s earlier this month.
Ben Gollings said “Bolaca has been cleared by the doctor to play in the last four remaining tournaments after which he can go for his knee surgery.”
He added that Bolaca has also been in his system and has been training with the wider group and Gollings believes he could be a kingpin in Hong Kong next weekend.
“Missing out is Josua Vukurinabili who had flu in the week and needs to build his fitness, while Jerry Tuwai will be absent due to sickness. ” said Gollings.
He added that Tamani and Volivoli are experienced players, and come with different styles of play which will provide a different dynamic to the team.
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team is pooled with Argentina, Samoa and Canada.
They play Samoa at 7.28pm on Friday the 31st of March, then meet Canada at 3.52 on Saturday before facing Argentina at 8.27pm.
Fiji Airways Fijian and Fijiana 7s team to Hong Kong & Singapore
- Joseva Talacolo
- Sevuloni Mocenacagi
- Josese Batirerega
- Suliano Volivoli
- Ponipate Loganimasi
- Tevita Daugunu
- Pilipo Bukayaro
- Terio Tamani
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Napolioni Bolaca
- Manueli Maisamoa
- Vuiviwa Naduvalo
- Iowane Teba
Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s have been boosted with the return of tough forward Rejieli Daveua and sprinter Younis Bese for the Hong Kong 7s.
Daveua was out for more than a month after sustaining a head injury at the Hamilton 7s while Bese injured her knee in Sydney.
Coach Saiasi Fuli believes it’s the strongest touring squad which consists of experienced and young players who have already tasted international competition.
Fuli said “We have had some changes in recent months with players leaving for overseas contracts and having experienced players recover from injuries sustained in the season but we are still very content and maintaining our faith in the current squad which has a lot of achieve.’’
“Our main focus is the first game against Ireland. They are one of the tough opponents and we really want to set the platform on day one before playing Brazil and Australia later in the competition” he said.
They take on Ireland 5.04pm on Friday the 31st of March before taking on Brazil at 9.04pm and battle against Australia the following day at 1.55pm.
Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team to Hong Kong
- Rejieli Daveua
- Vani Buleki
- Ivamere Nabura
- Reapi Ulunisau
- Ana Naimasi
- Meredani Qoro
- Younis Bese
- Ilisapeci Delaiwau
- Lavena Cavuru
- Viniana Riwai
- Talei Wilson
- Rusila Nagasau