THE Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team has no reason to miss out on the London 7s title this weekend after coach Gareth Baber included the destructive France-based duo of Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova in his team list for this weekend.
The Toulon club pair add a new dimension to the team’s campaign in its quest to win the 2017/2018 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title.
Baber said he had been working on various combinations during their training sessions to allow the two star players to fit in well with the rest of the players.
Except for Radradra, who was a former national 7s rep, Tuisova had played with skipper Jerry Tuwai, Jasa Veremalua, Samisoni Viriviri, Vatemo Ravouvou, and Amenoni Nasilasila in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Baber said the two players demonstrated top-class skill level during training sessions which boosted the morale of the players.
“They bring experience, positivity and energy to the group,” Baber said.
“Their skill levels rub off on others and it is good to have them in the squad and bring positivity to the group, both on and off the field.”
Baber said the presence of the duo had lifted the competition for positions among the players.
“The players are always positive and again this presents them with the competition for places which is important for the group to raise standards.”
The inclusion of Radradra and Tuisova has left flying winger Alasio Naduva as the 13th player, and Viriviri out from the final 12.
Baber said all games would be treated as the cup final.
“Competition for places in the team was intense as the players fought hard to prove their worth for a spot. I have had to select the best players as we target to win the tournament.”
*BRIEFLY:
– Fiji leads the overall series standings with 145 points followed by South Africa with 141.
– Fiji’s games: Tonight: Fiji- Argentina 10.20pm. Tomorrow: Fiji- Scotland 1.26am; Fiji- New Zealand 4.32am
*Team:
Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurinabili, Kalione Nasoko, Paula Dranisinukula, Semi Radradra, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Vatemo Ravouvou, Jerry Tuwai (c), Waisea Nacuqu, Eroni Sau, Amenoni Nasilasila
