Semi Adds 7s Edge
Keeping a low profile, rugby league convert Semi Radradra brings a lot of versatility into the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team as they get ready for the Rugby World Cup Sevens opener in San Francisco on Saturday.
Playing in only this third World Rugby sanctioned- sevens tournament, Radradra is the man, head coach Gareth Baber will look to when the going gets tough at the AT&T Park.
He is expected to spark the Fijian attack during the three-day tournament. “Radradra has brought a lot of versatility in the squad,” Baber said.
“Radradra has a huge amount of distribution skills, when I see those skills I see him playing with good wits during the game.” The Somosomo native in Taveuni is going to play at rover with the task to create space for wingers Josua Tuisova and Alasio Naduva. He superbly did this during the London 7s tournament where the Fijians won convincingly. Baber said a part from Radradra, playmakers Vatemo Ravouvou and Amenoni Nasilasila are going to manipulate the defenders while work horses like Jasa Veremalua, Paula Dranisinukula and Semi Kunatani must provide the much-needed support.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Meanwhile, the Seremaia Tuwai captained- side have a few engagements in San Francisco as part of Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways ‘Bula Spirit’ promotion. Today, the side will tour the UCSOF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. They will pay a special visit to the sports medicine department. The players will meet with patients and the hospital community, along with local youth rugby programme participants from the Oakland Warthogs. The event is not open to the public.
Tomorrow, will be the Rugby World Cup Sevens Welcome Ceremony at Embarcadero Plaza. The team will be joined by the Fijian warriors as they pump up the energy during the official welcome for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens. The event will welcome the competing countries and their representative teams who are in town for the tournament –including the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s rugby team.
“Our rugby players inspire and instil national pride in all Fijians. There is a significant Fijian community in Northern California and we hope our events bring together Fijians from both sides of the Pacific. Beyond reaching out to our fellow Fijians, we hope to inspire all San Franciscans to travel to Fiji, and experience firsthand the beautiful people and culture that we have given them a hint of, through these events,” said Fiji Airways CEO Andrew Viljoen.
This is the first time the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament has been played in the United States.