Vodafone Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber is wary of their pool opponents in this weekend’s Sydney Sevens.

Speaking to SUNsports last night, Baber said Samoa under wily coach Sir Gordon Tietjens, France and Wales would be tough to beat.

However, he says, they have been working on a plan to counter them.

“It’s not going to be an easy ride of the boys,” Baber warned.

“The three teams obviously will cause problems for us. Samoa is a very physical team and so are France and Wales.

“We are working hard on trying to keep consistency in our game and create pressure on our opponents with or without the ball.”

DISCIPLINE

Baber also highlighted that discipline is one area they have discussed as a team. He said they had to do it if they are to improve from last weekend’s performance in Wellington.

“Obviously you don’t want to give the opposition opportunity to play you and our players are aware of that. The pressure that exists in sevens rugby is huge and this is one area that cost us last weekend.

“This week we will be working really hard to keep the numbers on the field, we have talked about the way we defend as we prepare again for this weekend.” Baber added.

Robust forward, Nemani Nagusa was slapped with a six-match suspension while Kalione Nasoko, Vatemo Ravouvou and Setareki Bituniyata copped yellow cards.

RECOVERY

Replacement halfback Emosi Mulevoro has joined the team in Sydney yesterday.

Baber confirmed Amenoni Nasilasila will return to Fiji for rehab.

“Mulevoro has joined the team while Nasilasila will return as he needs to be seen by medics in Fiji and will be put in a rehabilitation programme for the next two weeks.

“He needs to be fit when he comes back to camp in preparation for the next leg,” Baber said.

The Vodafone Fijians also had their first gym and field session in Sydney.

“The session went well it was all good, it was obviously low key because the players were still recovering from last weekend and came back and played rugby today,” Baber said.

The Osea Kolinisau led-side take on Samoa in their first pool match on Saturday at 11.36am (Fijian time) after which they play Wales at 2.42pm before their showdown with France at 8.29pm. Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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