Opinion

Search For Tuimaba, Botitu’s Replacements Starts

This was after first choice winger Aminiasi Tuimaba and rover Vilimoni Botitu left for their French clubs. Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber must find players who are able to fill in for them.
25 Sep 2020 14:20
Search For Tuimaba, Botitu’s Replacements Starts
Police Blue and Police White rugby 7s team at the Nasova Police Academy ground in Suva on September 23, 2020. Photo: Sereana Salalo

The search is on this weekend for a Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rover and winger.

This was after first choice winger Aminiasi Tuimaba and rover Vilimoni Botitu left for their French clubs.

Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber must find players who are able to fill in for them.

The next two days at the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament is going to be Baber’s hunting ground.

Here are some players they need to keep an eye on.

 

SAMISONI VIRIVIRI

The former World Sevens Player of the Year and Olympian is said to have recovered his form of old.

Playing for Police Blue, he showed this during their friendly game against Nabouwalu Selections on Monday.

Viriviri is back at wing for the defending champions and his wealth of experience could come in handy during tight situations.

He could play equally well at rover

 

KITIONE TALIGA

Fitness is not going to be an issue for this Olympian.

Taliga and Viriviri have recently graduated at the Fiji Police Force where they underwent two-months of intense training.

That is like running 10 kilometres every second week.

Taliga fits in at playmaker, rover and wing if the need arises.

He deserves a chance and could be our game breaker.

 

ILIKENA VUDOGO

The Brisbane Broncos winger has been training with Tailevu and could make a surprise appearance this weekend.

Vudogo, Meli Derenalagi and Botitu were members of the Fijian Under-20 side that were drafted to the 7s training squad by Baber.

Vudogo did not join them since he had signed up with the Broncos. Now that he is back, he could be the man to fill in for Tuimaba.

 

KAMINIELI RASAKU

The young Tailevu second five-eighth could be the man to step in for Botitu.

He has been playing well in the Skipper Cup Premiership.

Interesting to see Rasaku team-up with Jerry Tuwai, Napolioni Bolaca and Vatemo Ravouvou in the Barbarians Brothers line-up.

Already being named in the national 7s training squad, a good performance this weekend could mean cementing his spot in the side.

 

Edited by Simione Haravanua

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj

 

 

 

 

 

 



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