Gareth Baber last night dedicated winning the Oceania 7s in Townsville to all Fijians going through COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The Fiji Airways Fijians 7s head coach applauded the players for being unbeaten in the three-day tournament.

The icing on the cake was beating arch rival New Zealand twice, 21-19 on Friday and 17-7 yesterday.

“The win is for all Fijians suffering and going through tough times at home” Baber said live on Sky Pacific TV.

“We won the battle undefeated in six games and I applaud the boys for the effort.”

Baber said he would name his 12 players for the Tokyo Olympics later this week.

France-based players Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba played their first game in the Oceania 7s in the 33-5 thrashing of the Oceania Barbarians yesterday.

Tuimaba and Botitu helped Iosefo Masi to score Fiji’s second try just before halftime after Olympian Kitione Taliga drew first blood.

A break from Tuimaba allowed Botitu to extend Fiji’s lead to 21-0.

Oceania pulled one back to close the gap 21-5 but tries from Kavekini Tabu and Waisea Nacuqu saw Fiji home.

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