Sevens Warning
Two senior Australian players who are likely to play against the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team at the Hamilton 7s are in the country.
Experienced forwards Simon Kennewell and Sam Myers jetted in with the Australian Development side to play in tomorrow’s McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament.
Speaking to SUNsports last night Myers said they are keeping their fingers crossed as they hope to make the Australian 7s team to next weekend’s Hamilton 7s in New Zealand and a week later defend the Sydney 7s title.
“Our team will be announced on Monday,” he said.
“We’re here to play against the finest Fijian players at the Coral Coast tournament.”
The lanky forward said, last year he played against Fiji in the final pool game of the Hamilton 7s.
“Playing the Fijians are always tough but it also brings out the best in us.”
Kennewell said he’s looking forward to play Fiji at the Hamilton 7s tournament.
“Obviously it’s going to be tough to play Fiji in our pool as they have a strong and vocal crowd backing them up.
“Unfortunately, I missed out of the Hamilton tournament last year because of injury.”
The Australian Development side also included new Australian 7s members Jerall Skelton who made his debut in last year’s Cape Town 7s in South Africa and Josh Coward.
Meanwhile, the Fijian 7s team have opted to keep a low profile in their preparation as head coach Gareth Baber waits for the outcome of the fitness test of a few players before deciding on his final 12.
Already, the Fijians have lost key playmakers Amenoni Nasilasila and Vatemo Ravouvou while robust forward Paula Dranisinukula has indicated that he won’t be fit for Hamilton.
The 14-member squad have been training at the Sigatoka sand dunes and also played a couple of matches against the Hong Kong 7s team.
– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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