Young Reps To Shine: Baber

Fijian 7 coach Gareth Baber banks on

young players in his 18-member squad to shine in the PacificAus Sports Oceania Rugby 7 in Townsville which starts on Friday.

He expects players like Taniela Sadrugu, Rusiate Nasove, Iosefa Masikau, Joseva Talacolo and Sireli Maqala to prove their worth in the three-day tournament.

“They know the challenge ahead is an exciting one and they get back to playing international rugby and get back to do what they love doing,”Baber told Rugby Pass.

“These young players are really good when it comes to on and off field behaviour or training.

“They have been working really hard and I know they will surely shine during the three- day competition.”

Baber believes the Fijians can overcome their lack of international rugby by proving they are still the most dangerous force in the sport.

Fiji are up against hosts Australia in their opening game and also faces New Zealand and Oceania Barbarians in their only tournament before they defend the Olympic Games gold medal in Tokyo.

“I know we can score tries with the least number of rucks and least number of passes,”he said.

“Particularly with the skills we have naturally in our game, there is a plan to play our game with ease and clarity.

“There has been a lot going on back home like the COVID -19 pandemic over the last few months and I am pleased that the boys have chosen to think of their families and just put one foot in front of the other.”

The team is captained by 7s World Rugby Player of the Year Seremaia ‘Jerry’ Tuwai  who is relishing the chance to play in a tournament before heading to Japan.

“It’s been long and everyone one of us are looking forward to playing Australia and New Zealand, whom we last faced in the World Rugby Sevens Series a year ago,” said Tuwai.

“I think all the boys have been training really well for the past few months and we are excited for the Oceania 7s and it will be a good ground for us to try and put together a team that will contest and play in Tokyo.