Bole upbeat

FORMER national 7s winger-cum-halfback, Waisake Bole believes the Fiji 7s team has what it takes to retain the rugby gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan this year.

The 42-year-old Nabuni, Koro Island native said having witnessed the talent within national coach, Gareth Baber’s extended squad, he was confident that Fiji would have a good outing at rugby seven’s second Olympics event.

“I think our preparations are well on track and I’m seeing them build up some good combinations and skills which will serve them well, and now it’s just a waiting game to see who will make the final squad,” he said. Bole said he was glad that Baber had decided to field a shadow national side in the Marist 7s to allow more game time for the players.

“The more game time for our players, the better, especially with the World Rugby Sevens Series out of the picture. Our players will need all the game time they can get against quality oppositions. I’m happy that we will be seeing them in action this weekend.” Bole, who represented the national side from 2001 to 2004 in the then IRB Sevens Series, said as a former winger, he always counted speed as the “X-factor” in a team’s success in any tournament. “With players such as Alasio Naduva in the squad, we can expect to have a good outing because he brings that speed which any team requires in the game of 7s. Hopefully he stays healthy. I’m sure there are other players who can provide the speed that the team needs during the Olympics.”

Fiji Shadow 7s: Kalione Nasoko, Meli Derenalagi, Josua Vakurinabili, Jerry Tuwai, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Waisea Nacuqu, Napolioni Ratu, Kitione Taliga, Onisi Ratave, Iosefo Masi, Josevata Talacolo, Simione Cece, Sireli Maqala and Livai Ikanikoda.