Lanky forward Anasa Qaranivalu was among the four players included in the Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team to Los Angeles and Vancouver tournaments of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series next week.
Army duo Qaranivalu and Rokoua Rasaku, Police forward Alusio Vakadranu and Uluinakau utility player Ponipate Loganimasi have booked their place to Los Angeles 7s.
Head coach Ben Gollings said they needed a little bit of shake-up and bringing new energy into the squad, something they had looked to do for a number of weeks and the Coral Coast and Nawaka 7s gave them that opportunity to see them coming to light.
“These four players bring different dynamics to the team and I believe this is an ideal opportunity for them to shine on the world stage,” he said.
“Young Rasaku, who has been on form locally is a strong player and of a different dynamic to some of our players, Ponipate has been brilliant and is someone we had our eye on for a while.
“This is also an opportunity for Anasa, he has been playing well in the Skipper Cup and for the Army 7s team and will add more firepower to our forward pack, then we have Alusio, who deserves a spot as he has been playing consistently well for Police.”
The forward pack will be assisted by the experienced hands of Josua Vakurinabili, Jeremaia Matana and Tevita Daugunu while Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Manueli Maisamoa and Iowane Teba will guide the backs.
Daugunu has been named captain for the next two tournaments.
The team is pooled with Australia, Kenya and Japan.
They take on Japan at 7.05am on Sunday, then face Kenya at 10.18am before playing Australia in the final pool match at 2.05pm.
Team:
1. Tevita Daugunu (c), 2. Josese Batirerega 3. Jeremaia Matana 4. Anasa Qaranivalu 5. Alusio Vakadranu 6. Josua Vakurinabili 7. Jerry Tuwai 8. Pilipo Bukayaro 9. Waisea Nacuqu 10. Manueli Maisamoa 11. Ponipate Loganimasi 12. Rokoua Rasaku 13. Iowane Teba