The future looks promising for our Fiji Airways Fijian (men’s) and Fijiana (women’s) rugby sevens teams as they participate in this weekend’s second round of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Dubai.

The Josua Vakurinabili-captained men’s side are looking to improve on their fourth place finish despite fielding 11 debutants last weekend.

If interim head coach, Saiasi Fuli, includes halfback Terio Tamani in his 13-member squad, then at least it should provide a bit of relief for the only two experienced campaigners Vakurinabili and Waisea Nacuqu.

Tamani is making a comeback to the series after a two-year lapse.

He missed out last weekend’s competition after arriving late due to visa issues.

For our Fijiana 7s side, the challenge is to equal last weekend’s feat of reaching their second Cup final in the series.

And if they are able to do that then this time around they should go for the top spot. They have beaten Australia before and they can do it again.

Let’s take a look at some of our players who are expected to make their mark this weekend.

Our Men
Filipe Sauturaga: A deceptive winger.

He is a strong runner coupled with a wicked sidestep that leaves the opposition guessing.

A good tackler and his style of play brings memories of former 7s stars Fero Lasagavibau and the late Lemeki Koroi.

Joseva Talacolo: Our man for the aerial battles.

If Terio gets the nod to play then Talacolo is set to win us possession from the restarts.

He is in second place of the DHL Impact Player standings from 19 tackles, 3 breaks, 9 offloads and 13 carries.

Not bad for a newcomer!

Manueli Maisamoa: Probably could be the fastest man in the team.

Fearless and has got good sevens rugby sense.

Coming on as sub during the first round and should be interesting if he gets to start this weekend.

Our Women
Sesenieli Donu: Settling well in the forwards and will be one of our trump cards in the second round.

From the Tokyo Olympics, Donu has just made her debut in the World Sevens Series and is placed second in the DHL Impact Player standings.

This was after she made 14 tackles, 3 breaks, 4 offloads, 19 carries- she is behind Australia’s Charlotte Caslick who played over 100 series matches last weekend.

Reapi Uluinasau: Our livewire halfback like Donu made her World Sevens Series debut last weekend.

Her enormous speed and ability to eye for gap has seen her score a number of tries.

The opposition teams will be keeping an eye on her so it will be interesting to see how she’ll react to it.

Lavena Cavuru: Stood the test when she stood in for veteran playmaker Vinana Riwai who is now playing club rugby in Japan.

Cavuru tried her best to control play from the playmaker’s berth.

Give her time and we expect a much- improved performance this weekend.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj