New players for Dubai
Gollings drops Nacuqu, Vakurinabili but still no word on Tuwai
Monday 27 November 2023 | 16:21
Fiji Airways Fijian men’s rugby sevens team (left-right) Josua Vakurinabili, Pilipo Bukayaro, Filipe Sauturaga and Waisea Nacuqu in Sigatoka on November 22, 2023. Photo: FRU Media
Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens coach Ben Gollings’ intention to build depth in the squad for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France, was evident when he named his 13-member squad for this weekend’s Dubai Sevens.
Gollings dropped two-time Olympic Games gold medallist Jerry Tuwai, veteran forward Josua Vakurinabili and Waisea Nacuqu.
Instead he has brought in robust Fiji Under-20 and Nadroga No.8 Ilikimi Vunaki, Namosi first-five eighth Netava Koroisau and Rubeni Kabu. Koroisau and Kabu were members of the national sevens team that won the gold medal at the Sol2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, last Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Fijiana sevens coach Saiasi Fuli retained core of the squad from the Oceania tournament. He has opted to rest key forward Sesenieli Donu, who is under injury rehab.
The two-day Dubai tournament, which starts on Saturday marks the start of the 2023/24 HSBC SVNS.
The national men’s side faces USA on Saturday at 6.06pm followed by the clash against France at 9.52pm and Great Britain on Sunday at 3.50am.
The women’s team takes on Great Britain at 5.44pm on Saturday, South Africa at 8.43pm and New Zealand on Sunday at 1.35am.
Fiji squad: Josese Batirerega, Ilikimi Vunaki, Kaminieli Rasaku, Jeremaia Matana, Filipe Sauturaga, Netava Koroisau, Rubeni Kabu, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, Joseva Talacolo, Manueli Maisamoa, Pilipo Bukayaro, Terio Veilawa
Fijiana squad: Reijeli Daveua, Vani Buleki, Aloesi Nakoci, Laisani Moceisawana, Talei Wilson, Reapi Ulunisau, Lavena Cavuru, Viniana Riwai, Ana Maria Naimasi, Maria Rokotuisiga, Younis Bese, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Mereani Rogosau.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
