Patterson Gets Nod, Talacolo Rested For Vancouver 7s

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Ben Gollings has made a change in his 13-member squad to play in this weekend’s Vancouver tournament in Canada.

Lanky forward, Joseva Talacolo, has been rested and taking over is Tira Welagi Patterson. Talacolo was impressive during the Singapore 7s win.

Patterson, is a former Fijian Under-20 and Fijian Warriors fifteens winger,   while in 7s, he plays in the forwards.

In 2018-2019 Patterson played for the Warriors in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge, where he scored six tries from three matches. He became the tournament’s top try scorer.

This enabled him to sign up with the San Diego Legions in the American Major League Rugby where he scored three tries from the three matches he played in the competition.

With size, speed and strength, Patterson is known for his powerful running, breaking tackles and creating opportunities with his offloading game.

In an earlier interview, Gollings said, that the focus in Vancouver is on their performance.

13-member squad (as per World Rugby release)

Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Kaminieli Rasaku, Jeremaia Matana, Elia Canakaivata, Ioane Teba, Ioane Raturaciri, Tevita Daugunu (captain), Philipo Bukayaro, Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Josevani Saro, Tira Welagi Patterson, Josua Vakurinabili.

What’s on Sunday?

• 4.00am Argentina v France
• 4.22am Ireland v Scotland
• 4.44am Samoa v Wales
• 5.06am New Zealand v Japan
• 5.31am USA v Kenya
• 5.53am Fiji v England
• 6.15am South Africa
• 6.37am Australia v Canada
• 7.11am Argentina v Scotland
• 7.33am Ireland v France
• 7.55am Samoa v Japan
• 8.17am New Zealand v Wales
• 8.42am USA v England
• 9.04am Fiji v Kenya
• 9.26am South Africa v Canada
• 9.48am Australia v Spain
• 10.22am France v Scotland
• 10.44am Ireland v Argentina
• 11.06am Wales v Japan
• 11.28am New Zealand v Samoa
• 12.07pm Kenya v England
• 12.35pm Fiji v USA
• 1.05pm Spain v Canada
• 1.33pm Australia v South Africa