Mawi plays rover

Fiji Times - Saturday, April 05, 2008 7:57 AM

IN a bid to confuse the opposition, young Tomasi Mawi starts at rover in the only major change made by Fiji sevens coach Josateki Savou for the opening match against England in the Adelaide Sevens today.

Mawi, who has been used as halfback, takes over from Lepani Nabuliwaqa, who warms the bench.

Skipper Marika Vunibaka partners seasoned campaigner Setafano Cakau and Ireland-based Mosese Volavola in the forwards.

Nippy Emosi Vucago has been named at halfback, with William Ryder becoming playmaker.

Mawi is at rover and Ra speedster Timoci Matanavou is on the wing. "He (Mawi) is a natural inside back and has played that position before in fifteens," Savou said from Adelaide yesterday. "This will allow Lepani to play in his natural position at halfback. Mawi will backed by Ratunaisa Narukutabua."

"We have a very tough pool and need to be at our best," he said. "From the first match, we need to go out strongly."

Having lost 34-0 to New Zealand in the semi-finals at the Hong Kong Sevens last weekend, Savou's men are under immense pressure to defend their title in Adelaide.