Tuimaba shows promise as Fijians in tough Pool C where they face England, France and Kenya

Watch rookie Fiji Airways Fijian 7s winger Filimoni Tuimaba go in this weekend’s Cape Town 7s tournament in SouthAfrica.

Playing in his first tournament at the 2018/19 HSBC World Sevens Series in Dubai, he has showed a lot of promise.

Last week head coach Gareth Baber had indicated that he has been impressed with the new winger.

Tuimaba stepped in for last season’s winger Eroni Sau, who was also the World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year and has now signed up with French club Perpignan to play in the Top 14 competition.

WINNING TRY

Tuimaba again showed his class during the 5th place playoff against defending series champions South Africa when it came to sudden death with the scores levelled at 19-19.

He confidently chipped ahead and collected his own kick to score the winning try.

In the Cup quarterfinal, Tuimaba was able match USA star winger Perry Baker pace to pace but it was the experience and footwork of the American that gave him the edge.

“Playing Fiji today is tough,” an emotional Baker told World Rugby after the game.

TUWAI INJURY

A medical assessment is to be made on veteran halfback Jerry Tuwai today to determine whether he could play in Cape Town this weekend

Tuwai was injured during the 5th Place semi-final against Argentina.

The Fiji Rugby Union is waiting for a medical report to decide on whether to send a replacement player or not.

Top on the list is Tabadamu’s Terio

Tamani who is also a member of the national 7s training squad.

WHO THEY PLAY?

In Cape Town, the Kalione Nasoko captained side are in Pool C where they are seeded second to Dubai bronze medal winners England along with France and Kenya.

Dubai champions New Zealand are in Pool A where they face defending series champions and hosts South Africa, Samoa and the 16th invitation side.

USA top Pool B where they take on Argentina, Spain and Japan while Australia are in Pool D with Scotland, Canada and Wales.

POOLS

Pool A: New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa, 16th Invitational Side

Pool B: USA, Argentina, Spain, Japan

Pool C: England, Fiji, France, Kenya

Pool D: Australia, Scotland, Canada, Wales

– Edited by Sheldon Chanel

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