Canada head coach Liam Middleton believes defence is the main area they will need to sharpen to counter the Vodafone Fijian 7s team this Friday at 6pm.

Middleton said they were aware of the challenge Fiji would bring on the first day.

“We have prepared well and we are excited to see this new 7s season as a build up to the Rio Olympics.

“Fiji is the best team in the world and we are wary of all the threats they are going to bring onto the field,” Middleton said.

“Our main target now is our defensive structure, we will have to defend well against the Fijians who are unpredictable in attack.”

Middleton has also laid down the challenge and said they also want to produce successful results.

“Obviously, everyone wants to have a good start in the series and we are excited and looking forward to our first game against Fiji.

“We respect Fiji and all our players are healthy, ready for the game.”

Vodafone Fijians 7s rep Seremaia Tuwai posted on Facebook how grateful he was to be in Dubai this week flying the national colors.

“Thank you Lord for everything.

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:39. #‎ToGodBeTheGlory,” Tuwai states.

Meanwhile, Vodafone Fijians 7s head coach Ben Ryan’s recent column on the World Rugby Sevens Series website, indicates how motivated he and his team will be to shine this year and beyond.

“Without doubt, the biggest days for sevens are to come in 2016.

“The ‘Olympic effect’ brought real change across the board.

“However, this year will be known as the season Fiji roared back. The team that plays like no other in breathtaking fashion. More off-loads, more line-breaks, more tackles and more tries than any other team. Pure, undiluted joyful rugby.”

Fiji plays Canada at 6pm, Japan at 9pm on Friday night and then later takes on Argentina early Saturday morning at 3:28am.

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj