Fiji Airways Fijian  7s side in for a tough battle

The Samoan rugby sevens coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens has named a strong side for the Sydney Sevens which gets underway today. The Samoans take on the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side at 8.28pm in their pool opener.

Tietjens has recalled veteran skipper Fa’alemiga Selesele, Elisapeta Alofipo and Gordon Langkilde.

“We see the return of Fa’alemiga Selesele and Gordon Langkilde from injuries with Tofatu Solia, David Afamasaga and Darren Kellet-Moore joining them in the forwards,” Tietjens said.

Samoan captain Alatasi Tupou will control and lead the team from the halves with the help of Murphy Paulo and playmaker, Tila Mealoi. Neria Foma’i and Tomasi Alosio will take on the midfield roles with speed stars Tom Iosefo, Joe Perez, Elisapeta Alofipo and David Afamasaga on the wings.

Samoa Toloa has been ruled out for at least four-six months because of an ankle injury sustained during the Cape Town tournament, while Alamanda Motuga, Silao Nonu and Jacob Ale have been rested for the upcoming legs.

YOUNG GUN FOR KIWIS

Counties Manukau-based young gun Etene Nanai-Seturo will make his All Blacks Sevens debut in today’s Sydney Sevens.

The 18-year-old Nanai-Seturo, a former age-grade rugby league star, is set to play in Sydney, while Luke Masirewa returns after a five-year absence. Auckland-based young star Caleb Clarke, the son of former All Black Eroni Clarke, has been named as the 13th man and injury cover.

Also aged 18, Clarke has signed with the Blues for this year’s Super Rugby tilt and played a bit-part role for Auckland in last year’s provincial campaign.

The team – first in the Sevens World Series standings after two events – arrived in Sydney on Sunday and will face Russia, Samoa and Fiji in their pool.

Coach Clark Laidlaw backed Nanai-Seturo and Masirewa to shine.

“Etene is a young player with huge potential and he’s enjoying his rugby – it’s exciting for him and his family to get this opportunity,” Laidlaw said.

“Luke has worked hard to get back to this point and we know he’ll continue that when he gets on the field.”

NZ: Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson, Teddy Stanaway, Joe Ravouvou, Luke Masirewa, Vilimoni Koroi, Sam Dickson, Andrew Knewstubb, Regan Ware, Kurt Baker, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Sione Molia. Injury cover: Caleb Clarke.

Samoa: Gordon Langkilde,  Tomasi Alosio, Tofatu Solia, Alatasi Tupou,  Joe Perez, Tila Mealoi (Lalomanu), Tom Iosefo, Murphy Paulo, Neria Fomai,  Elisapeta Alofipo,  David Afamasaga, Darren Kellet-Moore, Faalemiga Selesele

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