FIJI Airways Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber has included three young players in his 13-member squad in their bid to retain the Oceania Sevens Championships title for the fourth consecutive time at the ANZ Stadium in Suva this week.
Tough forward Kavekini Tabu and utility back Rusiate Matai have been named in the squad since halfback Jerry Tuiwai is not available.
Baber has called Vodafone Fiji under-20 rep Simione Kuruvoli as the 13th player to cover both the halfback and first-five position and be given the opportunity to play at the Oceania Sevens.
“I have to see these players playing in a competitive environment,” Baber said.
“I suppose the important part for this team is to find out exactly where we are in terms of our fitness level and how we are developing the young players.”
Baber has also named some of his key players such as lanky Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurinabili, Ratu Meli Derenalagi and Apenisa Cakaubalavu upfront.
Captain Paula Dranisinukula has been rested which gives Waisea Nacuqu a chance to lead the pack in the two-day tournament.
Top seasonal players such as Filimoni Botitu, Nacuqu, Terio Tamani and speedster Aminiasi Tuimaba will add more fire power from the backline.
Baber said they had few players who would provide utility in the team.
“We got some players who can play in the forwards and the backs such as Isoa Tabu and Sevuloni Mocenacagi.
“We also have halfbacks who can play as playmakers and rovers who can play on the wing and vise-versa.
“I’m not looking too much at this tournament as a do-or-die situation, but using this opportunity for us to find out where we are as a group.”
Fiji is grouped with New Zealand, Japan, New Caledonia and Niue in Pool A.
The Oceania 7s will be played from tomorrow until Saturday at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.
Fiji team: Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurinabili, Isoa Tabu, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Filimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Terio Tamani, Napolioni Bolaca, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Rusiate Matai, Simione Kuruvoli.
In the meantime, 7 members of the extended squad namely Asaeli Tuivuaka, Anasa Qaranivalu, Veniona Vuki, Livai Ikanikoda, Tevita Mociu and Kameli Rasaku, are travelling to Australia to participate in the Dawin 7s with assistant coach Joe Savou.
“This was all part of preparations to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and ultimately to the Olympics and giving all the players in the extended squad exposure to different levels of competitions so that they have the needed depth should these players get a call-up during the series.”
Senior players Jerry Tuwai, Kalione Nasoko, Paula Draunisinukula and Alisio Naduva continue their rehabilitation and training in Suva, he said.
