High in Sigatoka sand dunes, all eyes on Hamilton
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s players go through their drills at the Sigatoka sand dunes on January 16, 2019. The Gareth Baber-coached side have been keeping a low profile as they prepare to defend the Hamilton 7s title at the FMG Stadium, Waikato, next weekend. The Sydney 7s follows on February 1-3. With the absence of key playmakers Amenoni Nasilasila
and Vatemo Ravouvou the focus is on Tabadamu’s Terio Tamani to step up and assist Waisea Nacuqu.
INSET: Fiji Airways Fijian 7s new playmaker Terio Tamani (left) and robust forward Apenisa Cakaubalavu during training at the Sigatoka sand dunes on January 16, 2019.
Defending champions of the Shangri-La’s Youth Division at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, Tuva Youths are on track to retain the title.
The side recorded three wins in their pool games and conceded one try at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday.
Tuva Youths hammered Saunivalu Youths 31-0, Nailaga 17-5 before beating Sigatoka Young Boys 19-0 in their final pool match.
The side are led by New Zealand based- Aisea Tuifelehaki (Auckland Blues Under-18 rep), Josevata Nalaqwa (Fijian U18), Ilaisa Droahehe (Australian U18), Inoke Nalaga (Fijian U18) and Ilikima Naruma (Ratu Kadavulevu School U18).
“Coming into this tournament the boys knew what was expected from them,” team manager Viliame Nakuita said.
“We’re confident of retaining the title and on the same note we still respect the other teams. We want to win the title back to back. “The boys can deliver the goods after watching their pools games. We were not after the scores but how to play as a team.” Nakuita thanked the organisers for hosting the tournament and the sponsors for making it happen. Another overseas based- team consisting of Fijians studying in New Zealand, KISSP Investment Wesley Fijians also won their three pool matches. They defeated Rugby Academy Fiji 24-14, NFA Youths 1714 and Ravuka Sharks 10-7. Team captain Semesa Saukuru said they are mostly students studying at Wesley College.
“We expect this tournament to be tough especially playing alongside fellow Fijians which is a good vibe,” he added.
The other impressive team that opted to keep a low profile are the Ratu Filise Youths from the village of Namatakula.
The competition continues today.
RESULTS:
Tuva Youths 31- 0 Saunivalu Youth, Sigatoka Young Boys 10 -5 Nailaga, King 7’s Select 12-7 Dominion Brothers, Vueti Cakau 2610 Dratabu Youths, NFA Youths 17 -17 Ravuka Sharks, KISSP Investment Wesley Fijians 24-14 Rugby Academy, Ratu Filise Youths 2619 Gaunavou, Rush Academy 7-17 Lakeba Youths, Nailaga 17 -0 Saunivalu Youths, Tuva Youths 19-0 Sigatoka Young Boys, Rugby Academy Fiji 5-26 Ravuka Sharks, KISSP Investment Wesley Fijians 17-14 NFA Youtsh, Dratabu Youths 0-29 Dominion Brothers, King 7s Select 24-7 Vueti Cakau, Lakeba Youths 12-12 Gaunavou, Rush Academy 5-19 Ratu Filise Youths, Wesley Fijians 10–7 Ravuka Sharks, NFA Youths 24–17 Rugby Academy Fiji, Rush Academy 10-12 Gaunavou, Ratu Filise Youths 22–7 Lakeba Youths, Sigatoka Young Boys 12-7 Balenaivalu Youths, Tuva Youths 17- 5 Nailaga, Vueti Cakau 19- 17 Dominion Brothers, King 7s Select 22-7 Dratabu Youths.