Gollings Names Nacuqu To Captain Again
Waisea Nacuqu will again captain the Fiji Airways Fijian men’s sevens team to the Los Angeles 7s on Sunday this weekend.
This was confirmed by head coach Ben Gollings at a press conference at the Fiji Rugby House yesterday.
Gollings has made five changes to the side he took to the Commonwealth Games.
He named the 14-member squad for the LA this weekend and the Rugby World Cup in South Africa on September 9-11.
The nine players that have been retained are: Elia Canakaivata, Josua Vakurinabili, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jeremaia Matana, Seremaia Tuwai, Filipe Sauturaga, Kaminieli Rasaku, Vuiviawa Naduvalo and Nacuqu.
Other players included for LA are Filipo Bukayaro, Manueli Maisamoa, Joseva Talacolo, Iosefo Masi and Iowane Teba.
Dropped 2016 Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani, Sireli Maqala, Aminiasi Tuimaba and injured Tevita Daugunu.
Fiji Airways Fijian sevens halfback Filipo Bukayaro has been selected for the Los Angeles 7s this weekend. Photo: Leon Lord.
He indicated that Maqala and Tuimaba are available for the World Cup despite their non-selection for LA.
Fiji is pooled with Wales, France and Ireland.
They face Wales in their first game on Sunday at 6:10am, take on France at 9:31am and last game against Ireland at 1:05pm.
“There are a few players coming back from injury in the likes of Talacolo, who always add a different dimension as we saw him the way he performed in the previous tournaments,” Gollings said.
“I’m also excited to see Masi who has the Olympic Games experience and has been performing well and meeting the expectations during training.”
He added: “We are just looking and creating some opportunity as we put our focus on World Cup post Los Angeles 7s.”
The side will depart at 6pm today.
Following the LA sevens, they will travel straight to Cape Town and spend a week training before the Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 9.
Gollings will name his 12-member squad for the Cape Town after the LA 7s.
Willy Baleinabuli will be the team manager for the two tournaments.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
