Savou banks on speed

Fiji Times - Saturday, May 24, 2008 8:52 AM

SPEED will be an asset for the Fiji side when the London 7s kicks off in England tonight (Fiji time).

The side is packed with pace in the backline where speedsters, Nasoni Roko, Timoci Matanavou and Cakaudrove lad Vereimi Vilitati got pace to burn.

In the forwards new find Sailosi Rabonaqica along with regulars Setafano Cakau and Viliame Maya have the pace to beat opposition at ease.

Fiji coach Josateki Savou said speed would be a key weapon for the side as the team looks to end a winless 2007/2008 International Rugby Board Sevens World Series.

"We have speed and that combined with the effort of the players in the team should help our campaign," Savou said.

"However, we can't just say that speed will be the only strategy we will rely on because there are other areas as well." While the Fijians bank on pace, they set piece areas which will decide the fate of how Savou's team fares in the cold London weather.

Rabonaqica and Lomaiviti's Seremaia Burotu have been brought in to strengthen the forwards and the mentor is confident the hard work put in at training will pay off.

"The team has been working hard on the kick offs and line outs and we are confident things will work out," Savou said.

The Fijians took on Maldova in a hit out Thursday and Savou was happy with the performance of the team.

The side focused on its set pieces and set play along with the new players combining with the regulars.

"So far so good, Savou said.

"The new players have been adapting well and they have shown a lot of enthusiasm and are ready to fit in to the combinations."