Baber Shaken By Ruling
Head Coach feels that the absence of Nasilasila and Vota leaves a Vacuum.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber admits the absence of Amenoni Nasilasila and Beniamino Vota in the first two rounds of pool games this Saturday would be a huge blow for the side.
The duo who received a three match suspension last weekend in Dubai for dangerous tackles will miss out in the game against France at 9:59pm and their second pool match against Kenya at 1:20am on Sunday.
Baber said it will cause an upset to his plans for the first two rounds.
“Amenoni Nasilasila and Beni Vota both did receive three-match suspensions last weekend for dangerous tackles. They’ve served one match and will be unavailable for selection in the first two pool games for Cape Town,”
Baber has confirmed he will carry on with an unchanged squad for the Cape Town 7s this weekend.
Following a heavy travel schedule, the Fiji Airways Fiji 7’s teams has settled into camp in Cape Town ahead of round 2 of the World Rugby Seven Series and are determined to step up with performance.
“We had a big day of travel on Monday, but we’re here and settled in now,” Baber said.
“Jerry (Tuwai) is on the mend after suffering a dislocated finger on the weekend, but he is going to be ok and I’ll have the full squad to choose from for the weekend.”
Baber whilst not satisfied with the final standing in Cape Town says the entire squad, including debutant Ratu Meli Derenalagi who was called into the Dubai squad late in the tournament, will be working hard on the training track ahead of this important next round in the series.
“For his first start, Derenalagi did pretty well and we’re looking for him and the rest of the boys to step up again this week, and push hard for selection in this weekend’s squad.”
Meanwhile, the team has completed a recovery session yesterday and has been in the gym where one field session was being conducted.
Fiji play France at 9:59pm on Saturday, Kenya at 1:20am on Sunday and England at 5:05am on Sunday.