I’m a lucky Fijian: Paul
•TAMANI: I’ve been in the squad since 2016, this is my time •KATONIBAU: Crucial to win Singapore if we are to win series
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rep Keponi Paul says there is a big expectation for the team to win the Singapore 7s this weekend. And the policeman from Totoya, Lau, who will be making his debut in the World Sevens Series, says he is a lucky Fijian after making the cut from all the potential players in the country.
He said he never lost hope after his representing Fiji at the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea where Fiji defeated Samoa by 33–7 in the final.
“Since then I have been knocking on the door in the past four years but I did not get through.
“I’m a lucky Fijian as there are a lot of players in Fiji. But once you get selected, you are lucky and you to make the most of it,” he said.
Fiji is currently second in the World Sevens Series with 123 points behind leaders South Africa (126).
“This is the first time for me to play in the World Sevens Series,”he said.
“There is a big expectation especially when the team has been winning tournaments and we need to be up to standard in Singapore,”
Tamani aims to make the cut
Fiji Airways Fijian head coach Gareth Baber has replaced Vatemo Ravovou with 23 -year -old Teri Tamani.
“I am happy for the opportunity to replace Ravouvou. This is a huge challenge for me and the first time for me to represent Fiji,” Tamani said.
Originally from Ravitaki, Kadavu, he has a lot to prove as he will be contesting the spot with skipper Seremaia Tuwai and Amenoni Nasilasila.
“I’ve been member of the 7s squad since 2016 and this is my time. I aim to make the most of it.”
Win crucial: Katonibau
Isake Katonibau said winning the Singapore 7s tournament would be crucial in their campaign to win the World Sevens Series title. “Singapore is a really important tournament for Fiji if we want to win the World Sevens Series because we are trailing three points behind South Africa and 16 points ahead of New Zealand,” Katonibau said.
He said they looking forward to the tournament especially having to play alongside some new young players in the squad.
“It is always good to have new players in the team so that we can have depth in the squad.
“It will be tough because there is no team in the series that is easy. And if one looks at the level of experience of our pool opponents (Russia, Japan, Spain) they have been playing in the series for quite some time.
“And the players have lots of tournaments under their belt compare to our players. So experience-wise those three teams are more experienced than us.
“And that is the challenge for us.” Fiji play Japan at 5.36pm, Russia at 9.02pm on Saturday and Spain at 12.28am on Sunday.
Pool A: Fiji, Spain, Russia, Japan Pool B: Kenya, USA, France, England
Pool C: South Africa, Argentina, Canada, Samoa
Pool D: New Zealand, Scotland, Australia, Wales