Gollings Plan
7s coach tells why, how he is going to use Mocenacagi.
Fiji Airways Fijian Men’s 7s head coach Ben Gollings is starting to put together his squad for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in England from July 28 to August 8.
This weekend Gollings is focusing on how Sevuloni Mocenacagi performs in the France Sevens tournament in Toulouse.
Gollings admits fitness is not a worry for Mocenacagi.
“He has been playing in a professional environment and is not unfit but he needs to adapt to the game of sevens,” Gollings said.
He would be using Mocenacagi as an impact player as he plays with seasoned campaigners Semi Kunatani, Josua Vakurinabili and Joseva Talacolo.
“We know Sevu has got other qualities as well. He’s very eager to be involved in the team as a player. It’s great to have him around the players, they’ve been bouncing off each other during this week’s training. I’m looking forward to how the team respond and work together with him. The great thing is that we have balanced players in our squad particularly in the forwards where Sevu plays. We know Sevu can play in the backs which is quite exciting. I’ll use him as an impact player to allow him to settle back into the sevens code.”
Despite the absence of veteran playmaker Jerry Tuwai, the presence of Napolioni Bolaca is a positive move.
“He brings a lot of experience, he looks good for the tournament. It’s about bringing some of these players and giving them some game time before the Commonwealth Games,” he added.
Gollings plans to check out Kavekini Tabu, Sireli Maqala and Jiuta Wainiqolo before finalising his Commonwealth Games squad.
Maqala and Wainiqolo were not released by their clubs because they are now in the playoffs of their respective competitions. com.fj simione.haravanua@fijisun.
Vakuriniabili
Fijiana 7s: Viniana Riwai, Ana Roqica, Reijeli Daveua,
Ana Maria
Naimasi, Aloesi Nakoci, Lavenia Cavuru, Vasiti Solikoviti,
Sesenieli Donu, Laisana Likuceva, Reapi Ulunisau, Vani Buleki, Verenaisi Ditavutu, Rusila Nagasau.