Changes For Paris
Semi Kunatani for Paris 7s while Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova return home for a break
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s stars Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova are on their way to Fiji after helping them win the London 7s at Twickenham yesterday. Speaking after the win, Radradra encouraged the players on the importance of this weekend’s Paris 7s where they need to win and clinch the 2017/18 World Sevens Series. Last night SUNsports confirmed that Toulouse forward Semi Kunatani is joining the side in Paris. This is part of head coach Gareth Baber’s plan to test him out before the Sevens Rugby World Cup in July. When contacted Kunatani confirmed his selection but indicated that whether he makes the 12-member squad for the Paris tournament or not is all up to Baber.
It is understood plans to have Leone Nakarawa playing at the Paris 7s did not work out because of his club commitments and now he has joined the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup. The Fijian 7s side overcame South Africa 21-17 to claim their fourth successive tournament victory. The win also saw the Baber-coached side extend their lead at the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Fiji now take a seven-point lead over South Africa in the standings going into the 10th and final round of the series in Paris this weekend.
Fiji had seen off Ireland in the semifinals by a margin of 38-12, while South Africa reached the final courtesy of a 29-19 semi-final victory over England.
OUR NEXT TARGET
Fijian 7s captain Jerry Tuwai was delighted with the victory.
“I’m really happy with the boys today,” he said.
“It is always a pleasure to play in London and we are really blessed with all the Fijian supporters here. “The victory means a lot to us, as a team and as a nation. Our goal was to come here and lift the London cup and we did.
“Our next goal is to win the world series so we will regroup and be ready to go again. We are really excited about Paris.” Radradra who won the Player of the Final award and after receiving his medal from World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont, said: “I found it tough today but I got help from the boys and was hanging in there. I know we trust each other and finally we got the win.”