Vodafone Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber has set up strategy for the 2018 Rugby Sevens World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

And the campaign starts at the Paris leg of the World Sevens Series this weekend.

The Welshman is keeping his option open for former reps to be part of the team but he is keen to develop the new crop of players to fly the Fijian flag after the historic gold medal win at the Rio Olympics last year.

Baber has included four new players Samu Bale, Glen Cakautini, Paula Dranisinukula and Josua Vakurinabuli in the last leg.

“I want this group to develop quickly playing in top quality competition starting in Paris and London,” Baber said.

He added there will be tough competition for players for a spot in the RSWC.

“I know it has been tough this year in terms of South Africa being the most consistent team,” Baber said.

“The performance level of individuals coming in need to lift as every tournament and every game that you play is another step in that direction either you win or lose. We want to win every game when we go in the field to play and we will work hard in that direction.”

Blitzboks on track

South Africa can secure the title by making the final in Paris. They are currently on 157 points, 25 ahead of Fiji in second place. Victory in Paris would give them an additional 22 points, making them uncatchable in London. Second place would also provide them with 19 points, which combined with the minimum of one point for appearing in London, would also put them out of touch (barring a disqualification).

The Blitzboks have finished as runners-up in the past four series and captain Philip Snyman is remaining level-headed as his side enters the final two rounds.

“We have not started any of the eight tournaments this year looking at the log and will not do so for Paris either,” Snyman told Sport24.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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