Gareth Baber Picks 2, After Marist 7s Tournament
Two playmakers stood out for Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber during the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament.
They are former Fijian 7s and Ratu Filise’s Amenoni Nasilasila and veteran Police Blue playmaker Livai Ikanikoda.
“Amenoni has been excellent for the whole tournament, even though he will not play in the final but he played well in the quarters and semi-final,” Baber said.
Nasilasila faces a rape charge and will only represent the country once his case is cleared.
Former national 7s rep Ikanikoda had also impressed Baber as he led his Police Blue side to win the Cup final 17-12 against Wardens Gold last night.
The former Suva Grammar School Under-19 halfback was later named the Marist 7s Player of the Final.
Ikanikoda played for Fiji when they won the Gold Coast 7s in 2012 but a leg injury ruled him out for sometime before making a comeback.
“Livai he did well. It’s tough to see the players we want to see. Players who have got the pace and skills, offloading skills and its hard in this weather to see that and also ball carriers who can keep the ball.”
Baber said he had a few players on his list and would be looking at them in the next few months.
“That will be in another next six to seven months. Obviously, if they not going to play in Hong Kong but it will be in other legs or the next season,” he added.
KUNAVULA TO STAY
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s forward Mesulame Kunavula is not going to pursue his contract with Edinburgh Rugby in Scotland, says Baber.
The lanky Nadroumai, Nadroga forward returned to the country last Sunday and went into camp with national 7s training squad.
He is likely to make the team to the upcoming Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments.
“Mesu has been with the training squad, as he came back from Edinburgh on Sunday and joined camp straight away,” Baber said.
“That was the agreement when he went (to Scotland) and he is not going back.”
FATU FILISE U20 WIN
Ratu Filise Under- 20 side won the U20 final after defeating Ratu Kadavulevu School 15-10 during sudden death last night.
The Namatakula side walked home with $1500 while RKS settled for $1000.
Ratu Filise U20 manager Sovita Nagatagata said this is the first time for the team to win at the Marist 7s.
“We have been winning competitions in Nadroga but as a team we have been playing together for three years,” the former Police 7s winger said.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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