Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber has plans in place for pool opponents at the Dubai 7s next week.

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s are pooled with France, Argentina and Japan.

Fiji opens their title defence next Friday against  Japan (4.02 pm), Argentina (10.04 pm) and France (4.02 am) on Saturday.

He said Japan is expected to field a strong side.

“It is a different group of players who went through a strong programme. They worked hard and spend money to send 25 players to come to Fiji for the Oceania 7s.

“They are very serious about what they do and we are under no illusions they will want to win. “We need to be on our best to get what we need.

“France and Argentina love to play similar games like Fiji.

“We played France many times and in the Hong Kong final. We have always found them to be tough. They play a similar game with offloads and creating space.

“Argentina loves to break the game much compared to France. They love to frustrate you at the contact areas.”

Baber added debutant Kavekini Tabu will play in the forwards.

“This is his first tournament and we need to give him some time and space to play in one position,” he said.

Fiji will play a scrimmaging match with Wales on Monday.

Squad: Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Isoa Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Paula Dranisinukula (capt), Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Seremaia Tuwai, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Napolioni Bolaca, Kavekini Tabu, Terio Tamani.

Edited by Osea Bola

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