Nakoci Returns For World Cup
“We have our tour objective that is to win the Rugby World Cup and I believe this is the best squad to go and deliver that objective,” he said.
Thursday 01 September 2022 | 10:44
Japan Olympics Fijiana sevens bronze medallist last year Alowesi Nakoci is back on the team for the coming Rugby World Cup.
Speedster Nakoci, 31, had missed out on the recent Edinburgh Commonwealth Games after she was hospitalised two months ago.
She was stabbed while trying to stop an argument between two people in a Suva suburb. Yesterday head coach Saiasi Fuli named a strong 13-member team for the South Africa assignment.
After an outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Games in England, Fijiana has now put its focus on going a step closer and winning the RWC title for the very first time.
“The 13 players who have been selected are purely based on form and their commitment to training,” Fuli said.
He has maintained his core players who played a vital role in the team during the HSBC World Rugby Womens Sevens Series and Commonwealth Games.
Captain Rusila Nagasau and winger Lavenia Tinai are the only two players who played at the Rugby World Cup four years ago.
Vani Buleki, Verenaisi Bari and Laisani Moceisawana will hope to showcase a much-gutted performance after making their debut for the national team this year.
Preparation for the World Cup has been solid for the Fijiana 7s as they look forward to improving on their silver medal showing from the recent Commonwealth Games.
“We have our tour objective that is to win the Rugby World Cup and I believe this is the best squad to go and deliver that objective,” he said.
“It’s a knockout format and every game is a final which is interesting and different from the series and Commonwealth Games but we have to train the different scenarios and always expect the unexpected.”
The Fijiana 7s will play Japan in their opening match at 11.17 pm on Friday September 9.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
