Key players crucial for Fiji

EXPERIENCE will play a major role in Fiji’s defence of the Olympics 7s gold medal in Japan next month.

Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber has named an 18-member national squad that is in Australia preparing for the PacificAus Sport Oceania Sevens this weekend.

The squad will be joined by France-based Filimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba who are already in Sydney serving their 14 days quarantine period.

Coach Gareth Baber has also added Semi Radradra to his wish list with arrangements being made for the superstar flyer to join the squad.

Kalione Nasoko, Josua Vakurinabili, Meli Derenalagi, Jerry Tuwai, Livai Ikanikoda, Napolioni Bolaca, Waisea Nacuqu, Kitone Taliga, and Alasio Naduva are part of the group with HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series experience.

Baber said Fiji was blessed to have many good players because of the high level of competition in the country.

“Experience plays a huge part and if you look around the squad with what they have done across the HSBC WSS and the international competitions over the last couple of seasons,” Baber said.

“We know that we have some good experienced players, but we are blessed in Fiji we have good numbers playing the game at a very highly competitive level.”

Iosefo Masikau (Tabadamu), Joseva Talacolo (Police), Taniela Sadrugu (Nabua), Rusiate Nasove (Police), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Nabua), Kaminieli Rasaku (Uluinakau) and Sireli Maqala (Nabua) are the new players who have forced themselves in the 18-member squad.

Baber said all the players had earned their positions through hard work.

“Some of them I have known playing in Fiji for the last two to three seasons so they get the opportunity probably much quicker than they would have thought. In some aspects that they are playing in an international competition shows the behaviour and qualities we want in a group.

“It is the quality and the tactical ability to play at this level as well. So what you find is when they rub shoulders with the experienced players they are up another step and that’s what you are looking at in any young player.”