RUGBY 7s wizard Waisale Serevi is confident the national side will come off with a blinder in Hamilton, New Zealand next weekend.
The former national sevens maestro flew into the country yesterday, heading straight to Nadroga for the annual Coral Coast 7s tournament at Lawaqa Park.
Serevi flew in from the US yesterday and arrived at Lawaqa Park to the cheers of rugby fans and players.
He made no bones about Gareth Baber’s selection either.
“I commend Gareth Baber for selecting a very good team with the players available to him,” Serevi said.
The key here is the availability of players to make Baber’s squad.
It’s a good mix, Serevi said.
He acknowledged upcoming players such as Teri Tamani, Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba.
“They just have to work together, follow what the coach says and don’t let the opposition dictate the game.”
Serevi’s children, Asinate and his namesake are also part of the Coral Coast 7s.
Baber has named a squad that includes experience and youth.
Kalione Nasoko, Paula Dranisinukula, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Meli Derenalagi, Mesulame Kunavula, Josua Vakurinabili, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Terio Tamani, Vilimoni Botitu, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Alasio Naduva have been named in the squad for Hamilton.
Following our victory in Cape Town at the end of last year, attention is firmly on the national side to repeat the effort in Hamilton.
That’s the challenge Baber is aware of.
It’s the challenge his men have before them.
Yesterday the national coach was at the Coral Coast 7s.
He made it clear the doors were still open to former national reps still keen to make it back into contention for national spots.
The onus though is on them to pull up their socks, and lift their game to meet the standards Baber wants to see.
That means lifting fitness standards, understanding the game, being aware of demands and expectations and being disciplined on and off the field.
Nothing comes easy these days.
Making it into the national side is not for the faint hearted.
It requires commitment and discipline.
It was encouraging to see former stars like Samisoni Viriviri and Vatemo Ravouvou setting targets for themselves and working to get back into the national squad.
The challenge is always there for our players to impress the national selectors.
Meanwhile, attention for sevens fans turns to Lawaqa Park today as competition reaches the elimination stages.
Who will be the winner of the Coral Coast 7s?
Time will tell this afternoon.
