Tough pool drives Fijiana to be better

The Fijianas’ pool at the Hamilton 7s is not an easy one says former captain Rusila Nagasau. They are in Pool A alongside hosts New Zealand, Great Britain and the invitational Papua New Guinea side. Nagasau is optimistic playing against the Black Ferns. “The game is in a weeks’ time and it will be tough, however, we have been training well for it, the past three weeks,” she said. The Hamilton 7s is on January 21-22 followed by the Sydney 7s (Australia) on January 27-29. “Playing against New Zealand will be hard, that is not new though. We know we have to work hard for it on and off the field especially with our fitness; physically and mentally.

“Having the best combination for Hamilton and Sydney 7s is what we will work on.

“We will go step by step and take the pool matches one at a time.

“We have to get our set pieces right; the coaches are working on our skills level,” the 35-year-old added. The 17-member training squad has a mixture of young and seasoned players.

Seasoned players include Nagasau, Raijieli Daveua, Ana Maria Naimasi, Viniana Riwai and Vasiti Solikoviti.

The young players include 18-year-old Meredani Qoro, Maria Rokotuisiga, Talei Wilson, Ilisapeci Delaiwau and Younis Bese.

“These three weeks of training has been tough,” Nagasau said.

“It was during the festive season; we have had to sacrifice Christmas and New Year to be in camp because this is what we love to do – train and play rugby.

“We have new girls coming in and we are happy that they have raised their hands to play for the Fijiana team.

“We appreciate them for giving their time especially at a young age to participate.

“They are working hard especially being among senior players, this pushes us all of us to train, to set a standard for them.

“We are very happy with their performance and commitment right now.

“Maria (Rokotuisiga) and Ani Mei have been playing for a while and for Ilisapeci (Delaiwau) to put her hands and prove herself is what everybody working on right now.

“Right now, we want to tick off the box where the coaches want us to. “

Australia is in Pool B with France, Canada and Japan, while USA is in Pool C with Ireland, Brazil and Spain.

Photo: Leon Lord Fijiana sevens squad members halfback Reapi Ulunisau (right) and Lavena Cavuru work on their passing during their indoor training session at their Pacific Theological College camp, Suva, on January 10, 2023.