Robust forward Apenisa Cakaubalavu has claimed a spot in the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s final 12-member squad for the Sydney 7s that gets underway at the Spotless Stadium in Australia today.

The Naroi native of Moala, Lau, is renowned for his ball hunting skills, tough defence and speed. He’s tasked to pressure the opposition defence and will be at the breakdown to contest possession.

Cakaubalavu takes over from veteran prop Paula Dranisinukula, who is the 13th player.

Head coach Gareth Baber told the Fiji Sun yesterday, that it was tough decision not to select Cakaubalavu in last week’s New Zealand 7s.

“Apenisa has been working very hard at training and pushing the squad to produce their best,” Baber said.

“He has again proven himself on the field this week and we know he can do the job that needs to be done this weekend.”

Cakaubalavu was one of the unsung heroes when the Fijian 7s team won the Cape Town 7s in South Africa last December.