ON FORM, and on paper, it seems Police and Tabadamu are bolters for top honours at this week’s Marist 7s rugby tournament at the National Stadium in Suva.
They’ve had a sort of love-hate relationship in recent tournaments leading up to the annual Marist event.
In their latest clash, the lawmen came off with a narrow win over Tabadamu at the Nawaka 7s eliminations in Nadi last weekend, on their way to the final.
Tabadamu lost only one game at the Nawaka 7s on their way to winning the Shield final. The power-packed Police have the likes of Rio Olympics gold medallist Kitione Taliga, former national reps Livai Ikanikoda, Keponi Paul and other big names such as Ratu Meli Kurisaru, Kini Douglas and Jone Tanoa.
Police brimmed with size, pace and experience at the Vanuaso 7s at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori last month. They succumbed to Lebaivalu in the final.
You couldn’t shrug aside their very strong defensive and attacking shapes though As we said earlier, on paper, they look like one of the teams to beat this week.
However, you cannot write off defending Marist 7s champion Tabadamu with the likes of former national reps such as Leo Naikasau Jr, Jone Vota and Beniamino Vota.
They were in strong form at the recent Waimanu 7s at Ratu Cakobau Park a fortnight ago.
Naikasau was in top form, anchoring a very strong campaign with his strong fends, good running lines and quality defence.
Other top teams in the running for the top award include the likes of Ratu Filise, Waimanu, Red Diamond, Yamacia, Uluinakau and Veilomani. Sevens rugby, however, has unleashed many stars over the years.
We have been likened to a factory churning out quality superstars of sevens rugby.
It’s a game we are good at, and unknown sides have as much potential as the big name sides to take out top honours.
As interest slowly shifts to the sport this week, there can be no doubts about where the focus for many fans would be.
The annual Hong Kong 7s is the ultimate goal for many rugby players and fans next month.
It’s where our potential and status were unveiled back in the late 1970s.
That’s where our game was taken to the world, and our players reached dizzying heights of superstar status.
Likewise, there is no doubt about the place the Marist 7s holds in the development of our game locally.
This is where many youngsters lived their dreams over the years, some eventually making it to the national side.
There is added motivation this week for budding youngsters with national coach Gareth Baber expected to be there, with an eye on potential ‘stars’.
The inclusion of the Russian national side is testimony of the important place the event holds on the minds of sevens experts.
The stage is set for an exciting week of sevens action, and there is an opportunity for Fijian youngsters to attract the attention of the powers that be.
