‘The Beast’ is back
Gareth Baber tipped to keep core of his winning team from Hamilton and Vancouver. The Fiji Rugby Union is going to announce the final squad today.
Toulouse winger turned flanker and Olympian Semi Kunatani is expected to be named today in the Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens team to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia next month. Kunatani who is dubbed the ‘The Beast’ is the lone overseas based- player who is available for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The Naqalimare, Navosa native’s availability was confirmed by head coach Gareth Baber following his visit to France after the Canada Sevens in Vancouver.
“Semi Kunatani has been released and is available for selection for the Commonwealth Games,” Baber told SUNsports last night. The Fiji Rugby Union is to announce the team today.
Expected to make the team are captain Seremaia Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou, Amenoni Nasilasila, Waisea Nacuqu, Eroni Sau, Alasio Naduva, Paula Dranisinukula, Josua Vakurinabili, Kalione Nasoko, Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Jasa Veremalua.
Baber re-confirmed on the two teams that will be participating in next month’s Hong Kong Sevens which is from April 6-8 followed by the Commonwealth Games on April 13-15 and the Singapore Sevens on April 28-29. “There will certainly be two teams playing but depends on the players especially those we are targeting.
“I can see the potential of winning two tournamentsHong Kong and Commonwealth. I will pick a team that can do both of those. “So far in camp we are good, all healthy no injuries. We had some players but they went back to play for their clubs in the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.
“I’m pleased to what the players have done in camp this week and with the players who have been released to play for their clubs this weekend.”
Baber rated the first day of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s as a tough challenge for participating teams due to the wet weather in the afternoon. -