Baber expects fans to lift team
FIJI 7s coach Gareth Baber expects the fans in Townsville, Australia, to lift the morale of the national side during the PacificAus Sport Oceania Sevens this weekend.
This is the first time that Fiji will be participating in an international tournament since the Vancouver 7s in March 2020.
According to Baber, a lot had been going on in the last few months in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympic Games with the players being away from their families as they were part of a bubble following a strict COVID-19 sporting protocol in camp.
Baber said the players had adapted well to the new normal displaying a positive mindset.
“I’m pleased the boys have put one foot in front of the other and have dealt with what was in front of them which tells me of their positive mindset generally,” he said.
“The next challenge is an exciting one which is to get back to playing in a tournament. That is what the players love doing and they are excited to play Australia and New Zealand.
“It will be the first time that they will play in front of an international crowd after a long while. I’m sure that there will be a lot of Fijians who will be in the crowd which always gives us a lift.”
The seven new players in the 18-member squad for the Oceania 7s are Iosefo Masikau (Tabadamu), Joseva Talacolo (Police), Taniela Sadrugu (Nabua), Rusiate Nasove (Police), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Nabua), Kaminieli Rasaku (Uluinakau) and Sireli Maqala (Nabua).
These players have earned their spots in the squad after impressing Baber in the local tournaments.
Baber said the less experienced players would get an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best players in the world during the tournament.
“Hopefully this will make them realise that they are also among the best players in the world. I’m excited for the Fijian public to see these players playing well. I wish they get more opportunities in the HSBC Sevens Series to show what qualities they have.
“We are up against it in terms of time for the Oceania 7s but when you have a group of Fijians like this then we are at our best. I’m looking forward to what they do in that situation.”
Fiji 7s squad:
Kalione Nasoko, Josua Vakurinabili, Meli Derenalagi, Kavekini Tabu, Iosefo Masikau, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Joseva Talacolo, Taniela Sadrugu, Rusiate Nasove, Jerry Tuwai, Livai Ikanikoda, Napolioni Bolaca, Waisea Nacuqu, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kaminieli Rasaku, Sireli Maqala, Kitone Taliga, Alasio Naduva.