Fiji Sun

PARIS LAST HURDLE

- Leone Cabenatabu­a

The winner of the 2017/18 World Sevens Series is going to be decided at the Paris 7s this weekend.

Despite, extending their lead by 7 points over South Africa, the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team are still beatable. The Gareth Baber- coached side can clinch the series by reaching the Cup finals in Paris or advancing further than South Africa, if the defending series champion stumble early. However, it will not be easy for Seremaia Tuwai and his troops as;

They are in a tough pool once again where they face New Zealand, Kenya and Samoa

The absence of Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova who played crucial roles in our win in London. The inclusion of Toulouse-based Semi Kunatani will be determined once his hamstring injury is assessed.

Despite all that Fiji still has players in the calibre of Aloesi Naduva, Samisoni Viriviri, Mesulame Kunavula and Apenisa Cakaubalav­u who are ready to step up and take on the challenge.

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s are again in a tough pool in this weekend’s Paris 7s in France.

The Seremaia Tuwai- coached side are in Pool A where they face arch rivals New Zealand, Kenya and Samoa. In Pool B are South Africa, Canada, Russia and Scotland. Australia top Pool C where they take on Wales, Spain and an invitation­al side yet to be named. England are in Pool D with United States of America, Argentina and France. Head coach Gareth Baber said it’s another week of competitio­n and they will have to sit and work out what needs to be done.

“We’re looking at working towards a semifinal and go on from there,” he said.

Baber said they had a tough final against South Africa at the London 7s where they w0n 21-17.

“South Africa knew it and they put the pressure on but we were able to found our way through.”

After winning their fifth tournament in the 2017/18 World Sevens Series, the Welshman indicated that like any other sport it was a matter of striking the right chord and to keep working on it.

“The boys are humble and we do everything together as a group,” he added.

 ??  ?? Bruce Southwick/Zoom Fiji Photo: Fiji Airways Fijian 7s and South African players celebrate together after the medal presentati­on of the London 7s at Twickenham on June 3, 2018. It follows Fiji’s 21-17 win over the South Africans yesterday in the...
Bruce Southwick/Zoom Fiji Photo: Fiji Airways Fijian 7s and South African players celebrate together after the medal presentati­on of the London 7s at Twickenham on June 3, 2018. It follows Fiji’s 21-17 win over the South Africans yesterday in the...
 ??  ?? Fiji Airways Fijian 7s winger turned halfback Waisea Nacuqu in full flight to score a try against Ireland in the Cup semifinals of the London 7s at Twickenham on June 3, 2018. Fiji won 38-12. The Fijians are in a tough pool for the Paris 7s where they...
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s winger turned halfback Waisea Nacuqu in full flight to score a try against Ireland in the Cup semifinals of the London 7s at Twickenham on June 3, 2018. Fiji won 38-12. The Fijians are in a tough pool for the Paris 7s where they...
 ??  ?? Fiji Airways Fijian 7s playmaker Amenoni Nasilasila powers through Canada’s defence in the Cup quarterfin­als of the London 7s at Twickenham on June 3, 2018. Fiji won 40-7. Ian Muir Photo:
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s playmaker Amenoni Nasilasila powers through Canada’s defence in the Cup quarterfin­als of the London 7s at Twickenham on June 3, 2018. Fiji won 40-7. Ian Muir Photo:

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