Gollings to scout new talent, keep tabs

We expect nothing short of fireworks in the main competition at the CC7s. Champions Police will need to come up with a strong strategy to counter the opposition in a highly competitive field of dreams.

The lawmen are the local powerhouse and if they get into the stride then they will be hard to stop in Sigatoka. They will need to focus on defensive tactics such as strong tackling, quick counter-attacks and efficient communication.

Police have some experienced hands and they have the ability to control the pace of the game and disrupt the flow of the opposition’s attack by pressuring the ball carrier and forcing them into mistakes.

While writing this piece, I didn’t have the names of the Police side but if national players Waisea Nacuqu, Joseva Talacolo, Filipe Sauturaga and Pilipo Bukayaro are pencilled in for the Coral Coast outing then that’ll make this side a tough nut to crack.

Police have been consistent last year and with all the luxury to utilise their experience and physicality to win the collisions which will become key to a successful defensive performance – hopefully on a trek that is better than the last time when they lost to Wardens in a pulsating final in the final seconds early last year.

That showdown will be the highlight in pool play next Friday when Police is expected to clash against the Wardens in Pool A –

FIJI Airways Fiji 7s men’s heads coach Ben Gollings will be present during the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s in Sigatoka next week not only to scout for new talents but scrutinise the performance of players who are part of his extended squad as well.

Gollings has been busy with his tight schedule following the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup 7s campaign.

highly tipped as the clash which should decide the top two places in this group.

Saunaka and Yamacia will provide stiff competition for Police and Wardens and they’ll be aiming to topple the giants in pool stages.

Namatakula’s favourite sons, Ratu Filise under the tutelage of Etika Tovilevu will be top shots in Pool B where they also face unpredictable Wadigi and Tuva and star-laden Pacific Nomads.

Former Fiji 7s off-load king Pio Tuwai will be back in top level competition with the Nomads with some seasoned stars like evergreen Suva fullback Enele Malele and Nadroga wizard Panapasa Qeruqeru associated with the team. There are other local players expected to join this side with some coming from Australia and the USA.

A Fiji youth team coached by Gollings will be part of the Coral Coast 7s under-20 category.

The players who are not selected for the national team for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be released to represent their clubs during the Coral Coast 7s.

“I know that the Coral Coast 7s is pretty much a formidable tournament as it is always competitive,” Gollings said.

“So for our players to be playing in the tournament is exciting.

The clash in Pool C will see Mike Friday’s USA Falcons tested to the wings by Fire and Army and if Tira Welagi and Vuiviwa Naduvalo are allowed to run, we will be in for a huge threeway tussle in this one.

Friday’s Falcons will hope to fly high in Sigatoka but he will have his boys here to learn from the best and gain experience but expect them to be equally hungry to make a statement as a group and try and impress the coach and try to be part of the USA 7s in the upcoming world series leading into the Olympics 2024.

Friday will be out to see how his players fare against Fijian opponents and see how they operate and contest against Fijian teams in successive games in a packed three-day tournament.

Again as I was writing this, the little that I have managed to pick out is on

who knows who we could see in Sigatoka with the likes of Ben Pinkelman, Kevin Swiryn and Andrew Durutalo on the radar. Whoever comes with the Falcons – once they pull on that strip – it’s all to play for and fight for their team and country.

Another hot shot for the Coral Coast 7s title, Raiwasa Taveuni is expected to be the form side and it’ll take some shocks if we don’t see them get into finals rugby. Taveuni is sure to have the services of their national players and will be hoping that they click into gear for the three days.

They face the challenge of Uluinakau and home team Nadro Stallions in a highly likely three-way battle for the top two places with Veivueti as the outside bets.

Stars on show

One of the fan favourites

“It is also exciting for us to watch as this is one of the first tournaments for the year.

“Especially for myself to sit and watch a local tournament after a long while because of how the season works now. I’m looking forward to it as it is good to see new talents. Tournaments unearth new talents and it is a good opportunity for our training squad players to showcase their talents to keep their hands up with the opportunity to get selected into the main team.”

Gollings said it was a tricky situation for him as the main priority was the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

and a man loved by Fijians, Kenya’s Collins Injera will be the tournament ambassador for 2023.

Injera has delighted the world with his electrifying speed and try-scoring scenes for many years on the world series and this will be the first time he’ll be visiting Fiji.

The star player is looking forward to this trip and had earlier stated that he was really looking forward to his first Fiji outing and enjoying the atmosphere at the Coral Coast 7s.

Along with Injera there will be some prominent and world-famous rugby commentators joining the FBC Sports crew for the three-day broadcast. Returning to Sigatoka are the likes of Sky NZ commentators Ken Kaban and Karl Te Nana along with Australian commentators Greg Clarke and Sera Naiqama.

The Coral Coast 7s is

set to be an exciting event that brings together the best teams and players to one stage.

There will be 44 teams with seven international sides – with thrilling matches, stunning scenery, and plenty of fun activities – this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

So if you’re looking for an exciting rugby tournament in a stunning setting, the Coral Coast 7s in Sigatoka, Fiji is the place for you!

I am looking forward to the sevens gala in Sigatoka next week and with fun and rugby on the menu – nothing beats that for a great start to 2023.

■ Satish Narain is a regular contributor to

The views expressed in this article are his and not necessarily

of this newspaper.