New 7s find
SADRUGU FITS INTO BABER’S JIGSAW PUZZLE
FIJI is about to surprise the world again with another new 7s rugby find.
Welcome livewire Suva openside flanker and new Fiji 7s extended squad member Taniela Sadrugu who has coach Gareth Baber instantly impressed. He could add more firepower into Fiji’s arsenal when international 7s tournaments reopen. “He’s non-stop isn’t he?” said Baber of the sensational 20-yearold who took the recent Skipper Cup by storm.
“If you have been watching the Skipper Cup, you would see he impressed everybody.”
So, the Wailevu, Macuata workhorse is put to training by Baber in readiness for the coming Olympics. He was one of the standouts during yesterday’s training session at the Albert Park in Suva.
“He has a great attitude to work and a
FULL REPORT — great ability in the contact areas as we say to get in there and cause havoc. I think in the Skipper Cup I saw him start to play with the ball in his hands and score some tries.
“With all of those skills you start looking at an individual.”
Baber has planted Sadrugu among a strong contingent of players to prepare for what lies ahead after the restrictions of COVID-19. “Following the postponement of the Olympics, it was using things like the Skipper
and domestic 7s competitions to see those players who can have that consistency.
“I am still looking at tournaments for other players who can show that consistency in the 7s format.”
Joining Sadrugu is Suva teammate Jone Manu, Namosi centre Onisi Ratave and speed merchant Vinaya Habosi, Nadi pocket rocket Vilikesa Driu, looseman Kitione Salawa Jr, Police 7s team forward Josefa Talacolo and Tabadamu’s Simione Cece.
FULL REPORT —