All eyes on Vegas, Vancouver
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team, with Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer Andre Viljoen (standing front third from left) inside the Flying Fijian Club at the Nadi International Airport on February 21, 2018.
The team left yesterday for Las Vegas, USA – a week earlier to acclimatise. Following on from the successful win in the Hamilton 7s in New Zealand, head coach Gareth Baber and the team were looking to take their game further before the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the 7s World Cup in July.
The Las Vegas 7s is from March 2 to 4 while the Vancouver 7s is from March 10 to 11. Fiji is currently in third place with 62 points in the World Sevens Series standing.
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team departed for Las Vegas without speedster Alosio Naduva and forward Mesulame Kunavula last night.
Coach Gareth Baber confirmed at the Nadi International Airport that Naduva would join the team later this week.
“He is going but he will be leaving later this week but will join the team there. It is just a personal reason,” Baber said. Kunavula also has some personal commitments and would also join the team later in the week.
The side departed for Las Vegas for a preparation camp before the Las Vegas 7s on March 2-4 followed by the Vancouver 7s on March 10-11.
“The message is clear we want to do what we did in Hamilton but I cannot make a promise. We train exactly the way we do to play in all the tournaments we go into. “This group of players are developing in terms of experience,” he said.
Baber knows playing in Las Vegas is a good hunting ground for his team. “Having fans around us especially in Las Vegas is an easy motivator as they spend their hard earns money but the boys know that they are playing for Fiji and their fans.” Baber also highlighted that the remaining squad members will continue to train under assistant coach Saiasi Fuli as the Team continues to build up for the Commonwealth Games and the Hong Kong 7s
The Fijians are grouped in Pool A alongside Kenya, France and Russia in Pool A.
The team:
1. Josua Vakurunabili 2. Paula Dranisinukula 3. Mesulame Kunavula 4. Jasa Veremalua 5. Vasikali Mudu 6. Jerry Tuwai 7. Vatemo Ravouvou 8. Amenoni Nasilasila 9. Waisea Nacuqu 10. Sevuloni Mocenacagi
11. Alasio Naduva 12. Eroni Sau 13. Kalione Nasoko