Former national 7s star Viliame Satala says New Zealand is Fiji Airways Fijian 7s biggest threat during the Hamilton Sevens at the weekend.

Satala, dubbed as ‘The Stretcher’ for his vicious hits, said New Zealand are a great team and contenders, who would want to win their first Hamilton Sevens before its fans at the FMG Stadium.

“All the teams would want to beat Fiji after the Cape Town Sevens win but it’s New Zealand who would do everything to win it at home,” he told Radio S1 Dhamaka yesterday.

Satala said it is Fiji, the reigning champion that has its work cut out for them.

“Fiji needs to start strong. They need to step it up from the very get go.

“It is very important to start a tournament with a bang.

“Fiji needs to make it known they’re serious about the winning it all”.

Satala said what other teams including New Zealand would watch is how Fiji performs without Amenoni Nasilasila and Vatemo Ravouvou, who were dropped from the team for obvious reason.

“Eyes will on the team if they can play without the two experienced players this weekend.

“Waisea Nacuqu is filling in a huge void left by  Nasilasila and Ravouvou. A lot of pressure rides on his shoulders.”

Satala said much of the play will come down to kickoffs, ball retention, defensive play and discipline.

“Fiji seem to have a bit of discipline problem, the teams needs to shake the bug off.”

And with the raucous backdrop of Fijian support, Satala says Fiji will find it home at Hamilton Sevens.

“Hamilton Sevens win will determine how the rest of the World Sevens Series plays out.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj