Nasoko Poised To Lead

Kalione Nasoko could lead the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team in the Hamilton-Sydney leg of the 2019-20 World Sevens Series.

This was after captain Paula Dranisinukula has yet to recover from a fractured hand sustained at the Cape Town 7s in South Africa last month.

Nasoko trained fully with the team at the Uprising Beach Resort ground in Pacific Harbour on Thursday.

The 28-year-old hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the Canada 7s in Vancouver in March 2018 and has not played since.

Coach Gareth Baber appointed Nasoko to replace Seremaia Tuwai as captain. Baber believes Tuwai plays better without being given the lead role.

“We are trying to rotate players so it’s good to see Nasoko and Dranisinukula now in full training. Tuwai is having a scan in hospital as well,” he said.

“There are no major concerns obviously. Tuwai injured his ankle so we just want to make sure he is alright.”

Nasoko participated in some passing drills with fellow forwards Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Meli Derenalagi and Josua Vakurunabili.

The 92 kg (203 lb) forward floated around the Uprising turf with silky skills during a drill that was time and again applauded by Baber.

Nasoko contested the kickoffs and restarts and was the kingpin during defensive drills.

The Yasawa man looked sharp during the drills.

Edited by Osea Bola

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