Gollings Selection Based On Winning Restarts, More Playmakers

Winning restarts and to have options for players in the playmaking role are two key areas the selection of the 13-member squad for the Fiji Airways Fijian men’s rugby sevens

25 Mar 2023 13:40

Gollings Selection Based On Winning Restarts, More Playmakers

Lanky forward Joseva Talacolo after missing the last four tournaments.

Winning restarts and to have options for players in the playmaking role are two key areas the selection of the 13-member squad for the Fiji Airways Fijian men’s rugby sevens squad for the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments is based on.

Head coach Ben Gollings has recalled lanky forward Joseva Talacolo, Sevuloni Mocenacagi and winger Vuiviawa Naduvalo.

These players have the ability to claim possession from the restarts. This has been the team’s downfall in their loss to Argentina in the Los Angeles and Vancouver tournaments.

The Fijians are pooled with Argentina, Samoa and Canada in next weekend’s Hong Kong tournament.

Gollings has brought back playmakers Terio Tamani and Napolioni Bolaca to give him options since Waisea Nacuqu needs to recuperate.

“Bolaca has been cleared by the doctor to play in the last four remaining tournaments after which he can go for his knee surgery,” Gollings said.

He said Bolaca had been in his system and was training with the wider group and should be the team’s kingpin in Hong Kong.

“Missing out is Josua Vukurinabili who had flu in the week and needs to build his fitness, while Jerry Tuwai will be absent due to sickness.”

Talacolo makes his return to the final team after missing the past four legs due to injury. He is expected to provide the firepower in the pack against teams like Argentina and Samoa.

Also making the cut into the travelling squad is robust utility player Suliano Volivoli.

Mocenacagi is expected to provide depth in the forwards with Josese Batirerega and Ponipate Loganimasi featuring for the first time in Hong Kong.

Gollings said Tamani and Volivoli are experienced players, and come with different style of play, which will provide a different dynamic to the team.

Fiji plays Samoa at 7.28pm next Friday then meet Canada at 3.52pm on Saturday before facing Argentina at 8.27pm.

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