Savou names Fiji 7s team

The Fiji Times - Saturday, March 08, 2008 11:46 PM

NEW Zealand stars Nigel Hunt, Lote Raikabula, Tomasi Cama Junior and Edwin Cocker got a sneak preview of what to expect from a new look Fiji side at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

The four players were present at the Laucala bowl in Suva to witness our top players in action during the 32nd Fiji Bitter Marist 7s yesterday.

The quartet have been at the heart of New Zealand’s wins in Dubai, George, Wellington and San Diego.

“I can see that there are a lot of talented players here and it only takes a bit of sacrifice from them (Fiji team) to bounce back,” Raikabula said.

“We’re looking forward to the Hong Kong Sevens and playing Fiji. We haven’t won there for a while and we’re eager to go.”

Hunt said they expected Fiji to be stronger at So Kon Po and were looking forward to the challenge. He said they would not rely on their earlier wins.

“Fiji is still the best sevens team in the world. They will come back,” Hunt said.

“With proper training and the right attitude they’ll be right. Our boys have been doing well but we can’t rely on that.”

Cocker said morale in the New Zealand team was high heading into Hong Kong.

“Fiji will always be up there as one of the teams to beat,” he said.
After the final where Prisons beat Army Red 33-19, Fiji coach

Josateki Savou named an experienced squad that included Semisi Naevo, Mosese Volavola, Marika Vunibaka, Nasoni Roko, Lepani Nabuliwaqa and twinkle-toes William Ryder.

Viliame Maya, Setefano Cakau, Epeli Vuniwaqa, Emosi Vucago and Tomasi Mawi have been retained from the first two legs of IRB Sevens World Series.

Iliavi Satala returns to the team, which includes new finds Ratunaisa Narukutabua, Timoci Matanavou and Jone Kuruduadua.
The recall of the old hands will boost Fiji’s quest to reel in New Zealand’s dominance on the IRB series.

Savou said he was pleased with the performances of the overseas-based players who showed a lot of fitness.

“I’m happy with the way they were able to adjust from fifteens to sevens,” Savou said.

“Selecting the team was really hard because there was a lot of talent. I’m happy with what we’ve been able to see over the last two days.

“We’ll finalise our final 12 after the Nawaka Sevens this Saturday.”
Former Fiji sevens rep and selector Jope Tuikabe will be Savou’s assistant in Hong Kong over March 28-30.

Flying Fijians coach combination of Ilivasi Tabua, who is the sevens team’s technical advisor, and Reverend Joji Rinakama will travel to Hong Kong.

Fiji : Semisi Naevo, Mosese Volavola, Viliame Maya, Marika Vunibaka, Setefano Cakau, Emosi Vucago, Tomasi Mawi, Iliavi Satala, William Ryder, Nasoni Roko, Ratunaisa Narukutabua, Timoci Matanavou, Epeli Vuniwaqa, Jone Kuruduadua, Lepani Nabuliwaqa.