Forward for Fiji
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber’s new players are starting to make an impact in the World Sevens Series. Since making their debut at The Sevens in Dubai last week, Meli Derenalagi, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Vilimoni Botitu made the run–on teams at the Cape Town Sevens in South Africa.
Derenalagi is fitting in well upfront, taking on the roles once dominated by Jasa Veremalua and Semi Kunatani.
He has the ability to win kickoffs, defend well and be a good support player. Tuimaba is establishing his mark on the wing and his speed off the mark is an added advantage.
Botitu provided the link and is an able, solid and always-there-when-the support-is-needed type. Baber should be happy with their input so far having lost one game in Dubai in their 5th place finish.
Yesterday, the Kalione Nasoko-captained side went through their pool games undefeated.
Fiji survived a late scare against England in the final match of the day to ensure they finished top with a 2119 win.
They were two converted tries clear with just over a minute to play when Will Muir attacked the righthand wing to dot down before Alex Davis did the same down the opposite side.
Muir’s try went unconverted and Fiji stole the ball from the restart in a thrilling climax.
Fiji had earlier run rampant against France (50-0) and Kenya (38-7) on an impressive opening day.