Our 7s Stars Visit Communities
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team flew into Vancouver with high spirits as they prepare to defend the Canada 7s title at the BC Place, this weekend.
The Kalione Nasoko-captained side on Tuesday as part of their community visit spent time with the people of Squamish, a town north of Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada. It’s at the northern tip of the island-dotted Howe Sound, and surrounded by mountains like the Stawamus Chief, a huge granite monolith.
Later the team went to Tsleil Waututh Nation, formerly known as the Burrard Indian Band or Burrard Band, is a First Nations band government in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Without playmaker Waisea Nacuqu, the Fijians are going to bank on Terio Tamani and 20-year-old Vilimoni Botitu.
The other option is switching winger Alosio Naduva to halfback while veteran Jerry Tuwai mans the playmaker’s berth.
Also, with winger Aminiasi Tuimaba under the suspension could see robust speedster Asaeli Tuivoka making his debut in the Series.
Other option could be on utility player Batinisavu Uluiyata coming in while veteran forward Paula Dranisinukula has recovered from a niggling leg injury.
CANADA’S RECORD
The top four teams at the end of the season secure automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. New Zealand won the inaugural Canada 7s in 2016, followed by England in 2017 and Fiji in 2018.
There was heartache in 2016 when the Canadians finished ninth. Canada won five of six games but only hoisted the consolation Bowl trophy instead of the celebrated Cup.
Its only blemish was a loss to Wales on a try scored with no time remaining.
The Canadians failed to advance to the Cup quarterfinals on points’ difference. Canada made the Cup quarter-finals in 2017, losing 36-7 to South Africa and eventually tied for seventh.
The Canadians finished 14th last year in Vancouver, losing 21-15 to Samoa in the 13th-place playoff. Canada led 10-0 before Samoa reeled off 21 unanswered points. Canada managed a consolation try in extra time.
Canada coach Damian McGrath used to coach Samoa.
A two-month labour dispute ahead of this season did little for Canada’s preparation.
More recently, inclement weather made Langford, B.C. a less than hospitable training base. Canada has also been hit by injuries.
The popular two-day Canadian event has drawn 213,630 spectators in its three years on the circuit.
Organisers say they are approaching 70,000 tickets sold, with the two-day capacity of more than 80,000. Canada’s record in Vancouver is 9-7-1.
Edited by Grace Narayan
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
