Karl Te Nana believes Samoa will provide a real threat in the 2016-17 World Seven Series under the guidance of former New Zealand sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens.

The former NZ sevens rep and now World Rugby commentator made the comment at the Mana Whey Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday after witnessing the Samoan team training in New Zealand.

He was impressed with the team saying the threat was real against Gareth Baber’s Vodafone Fijian 7s side, New Zealand and World Sevens Series leaders South Africa.

“Gordon has been working on their fitness and that is probably an area where they have been lacking,” he said.

“They are looking very good and very fit. I think Gordon have made them prepare really well because they are in New Zealand’s pools in Wellington with the United States and France.”

The Manu Samoa 7s team were in Mount Maunganui on a five-day training camp early this month.

The Wellington 7s will be a real test for the Olympic champions after missing out in Dubai and Cape Town in the first leg.

Te Nana said Fiji would need to start playing their A-game if they are to defend the World Seven Series title for the third year.

“The Fijians would always be tough,” Te Nana said.

“Team captain Osea Kolinisau had to take in a lot to prepare the team and you know it is hard to play and coach at the same time in the first leg,” he said.

“With Coach Gareth Baber here, I’m pretty sure they are looking forward to come to New Zealand where they always perform and get a lot of support.”

The Wellington 7s will be held on Jan 28-29 while the Sydney 7s is set for February 4-5.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj