Baber eyes four Police 7s players
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach eyes 4 Police players who could be joining the training squad soon
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber has targeted several Police players for inclusion in the national sevens training squad. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Baber said there are four players who were part of the winning team at the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament that really impressed him.
He declined to name them, But the possibility is that one of the players is Sakeo Railoa, who got the Campese-Serevi medal for being the Best Player of the Tournament. They are expected to join their team-mate Eroni Sau who is currently a member of the national sevens team.
“I saw them performing really well,” he said.
“I will be doing a little bit of research on them and will also be having talks with them. They have put their hands up for potential selection into the national 7s team.” The Welshman said that it was really good seeing some high level of competition played by the local teams.
“I saw some very powerful runners in the competition and it was really good to see.” He commended Police and First Light Taveuni on their outstanding and consistent performance throughout the tournament. “Police deserved to win but it was also good seeing First Light Taveuni, they got better and better as the tournament progressed.”
SYDNEY 7S
Baber said the players took a break on Saturday and Sunday before they fly out to Sydney on Tuesday.
“We’ll be having our final training run on Monday before we fly out on Tuesday.”
He said the players understood the huge task at hand. “We’re all focussed for the upcoming Sydney and Hamilton tournaments, the players are ready and geared up for it.”
The Fijians are grouped in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Samoa and Russia.
FIJIANA READY
Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team fly out to Sydney today. Coach Iliesa Tanivula told SUNsports yesterday that they are geared up and eager to play. “Our preparations have been intense, focussing on some areas of our play and getting our players ready to play against Russia, Canada and Ireland,” Tanivula said. However, the Ana Maria Roqica led-side are confident of creating some upsets.
“Our aim is to do well in the pool against these teams and also to
book a spot in the final. We cannot wait for the weekend and face up to these teams, they are good teams and have also prepared well,” Tanivula added.