Tuwai calls on fans to trust the team as they can rise from their defeat (Monday 27/01/2020)
By Naveel Krishant and Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team co-captain, Jerry Tuwai has called on the fans to trust the team as they can rise from their defeat.
While speaking to World Rugby, Tuwai says they are disappointed by the result in Hamilton but says the players improved on their performance in their 9th place play-off win against South Africa.
There it is. @LosPumas7s kick the ball out and they have beaten Fiji after an incredible performance. Final score: ARG 26 FIJ 10
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 26, 2020
That result means @Aussie7s are going to the semi-finals.#NZSevens pic.twitter.com/hjFNRsYbob
Fiji beat South Africa 12-5.
Tuwai adds they hope to put a better performance in the Sydney 7s this weekend.
Looking at the HSBC 7s series points table, Fiji is currently 7th with 31 points.
New Zealand who won the Hamilton 7s title after beating France 27-5 in the final, leads the series with 63 points.
Men's day one highlights. Check. Them. Out! https://t.co/Y7C7r1GV1w
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
The Sydney 7s will be held this Saturday and Sunday.
Fiji beats South Africa 12-5 in the 9th Place Play-Off (Monday 27/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team finished in 9th position at the Hamilton 7s tournament after defeating rivals South Africa 12-5 in their 9th place play-offs.
Fiji’s defence and attack was tested in the first half of the match and they could not cross over the white mark.
South Africa led Fiji 5-0 at the break.
Fiji rallied back in the second half and their first try came from impact player, Kavekini Tabu.
Napolioni Bolaca sealed the win for Fiji as he scored Fiji’s second try with just few seconds left to go in the final minutes of the second half.
Winning the 9th place play-offs, Fiji has collected another 8 points to add to their HSBC World Rugby 7s Series points.
| PLAY BY PLAY |
Fiji |
12-5 |
South Africa |
| TIME | ||
|
|
'1 | Angelo Davidsb scores the first try |
| HALFTIME |
|
Kavekini Tabu |
'13 | |
| Napolioni Bolaca | '15 | |
| Livai Ikanikoda successful conversions | ||
| FULLTIME |
Baber not impressed with Fiji’s performance after their 26-10 loss to Argentina (Sunday 26/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Gareth Baber was not impressed with Fiji’s performance in their match against Argentina which ended their reign as Hamilton 7s champions.
Baber says they will be evaluating their games this week and will try to improve in the Sydney 7s next week.
Fiji will take on South Africa at 5.16pm in the 9th place place-offs.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on France at 7.56pm today in the Men’s final.
Fiji Men's 7s team out of the Hamilton 7s cup competition after losing 26-10 to Argentina Sunday (26/01/2020)
By Fijivillage
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s are out of the Hamilton 7s cup competition after being beaten 26-10 by Argentina.
Sevuloni Mocenacagi scored the only try for Fiji in the first half as Fiji trailed 21-5 at the break.
Vilimoni Botitu scored another try in the second half but it was not enough as Argentina scored a late try to seal the victory.
Fiji had to win the match to secure its place in the semifinal.
Coach Gareth Baber says he is disappointed with the loss.
Meanwhile, in the first semi-final, England will play France at 3.20 pm
Australia will most likely face New Zealand in the second semifinal at 3.42 pm.
The Hamilton 7s final will be played at 7.56 pm.
There it is. @LosPumas7s kick the ball out and they have beaten Fiji after an incredible performance. Final score: ARG 26 FIJ 10
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 26, 2020
That result means @Aussie7s are going to the semi-finals.#NZSevens pic.twitter.com/hjFNRsYbob
| PLAY BY PLAY |
Fiji |
10-26 |
Argentina |
| TIME | ||
|
|
'0 | Kick off |
| '2 | Argentina scores the first try | |
| '3 | Argentina scores | |
| 5 | Argentina Scores | |
| Mocenacagi scores the first try for Fiji | '7 |
| HALFTIME |
|
Filimoni Botitu scores for fiji |
'1 | |
| '5 | Argentina scores | |
| FULLTIME |
Fiji 7s hopeful of semi-final qualification at the Hamilton 7s (Sunday 26/01/2020)
By Shanil Singh
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team are a win away from making it to the semi-final of Hamilton 7s after beating Australia 19-12 in their second pool match.
Asaeli Tuivuaka scored the only try of the first half as Fiji led 5-0 at the break.
Further tries from Aminiasi Tuimaba and Apenisa Cakaubalavu sealed the win for Fiji.
Coach Gareth Baber says they have faced two tough challenges so far and they have done well to win both games.
Baber says he has told the players to enjoy themselves because the players enjoy being under that sort of pressure and people can clearly see what it brings out of them.
Fiji now needs to beat Argentina to seal its place in the semifinal.
Beautiful show of respect from @fijirugby yesterday as they offered a gift to @Aussie7s in tribute to those affected by the bushfires in Australia.#NZSevens pic.twitter.com/HQsxugRxSK
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
Fiji play Argentina in their last pool match at 11.57am today.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm tomorrow while the final will start at 7.56pm today.
| PLAY BY PLAY |
Fiji |
19 vs 12 |
Australia |
| TIME | ||
|
Fiji Kicks-Off |
'1 | |
| Tuivuaka scores Fiji first try | '4 | |
| HALFTIME |
|
Tuimaba scores second try |
'7 | |
| '9 | Australia scores first try from Pietsch | |
| Cakaubalavu scores third try | '10 | |
| '14 | Australia scores second try O'Donnell | |
| 19 FULLTIME 12 |
Jerry Tuwai is now Fiji 7s all-time top try scorer (Sunday 26/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
2018/2019 HSBC World Rugby 7s Player of the Year, Jerry Tuwai has now become Fiji’s all-time top try scorer after scoring Fiji’s first try in their 19-12 win over Samoa at the Hamilton 7s.
Tuwai now sits with 126 tries, one try ahead of former Fiji 7s player Nasoni Roko.
Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba scored the other two tries for Fiji.
Fiji led Samoa 12-7 at the break.
In another match in pool D, Australia defeated Argentina 38-7.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s second match is against Australia at 6.35pm today and they’ll play Argentina at 11.57am tomorrow.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm tomorrow while the final will start at 7.56pm tomorrow.
Fiji beats Samoa 19-12 in their first game of Hamilton 7s (Saturday 25/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s survived a late scare as they held on to beat Samoa 19-12 in their first pool match of the Hamilton 7s.
Jerry Tuwai, Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba scored a try each for Fiji.
Fiji led Samoa 12-7 at the break.
Tuwai’s try has made him the all-time try scorer for Fiji with 126 tries surpassing former Fiji 7s player Nasoni Roko who sits at 125 tries.
World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
and now @fijirugby's all time top try scorer.
A brilliant moment for the legendary @JerryTuwai as he touches down his 126th try for Fiji.#ImpactMoment #DHLRugby pic.twitter.com/AMwXtfnf0J
In another match in pool D, Australia defeated Argentina 38-7.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s second match is against Australia at 6.35 pm today and they’ll play Argentina at 11.57 am tomorrow.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm tomorrow while the final will start at 7.56pm tomorrow.
"We can achieve our dream. If we work hard and never give up."
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 25, 2020
Jerry Tuwai speaks after he became @fijirugby's all time top try scorer at the #NZSevens pic.twitter.com/dThHD3CpBY
| PLAY BY PLAY |
Fiji |
19 vs 12 |
Samoa |
| TIME | ||
|
|
'1 | Samoa first try |
| Jerry Tuwai scores for Fiji | '2 | |
| Filimoni Botitu scores second try for Fiji | '5 | |
| HALFTIME |
|
|
'5 | Perez scores for Samoa |
| Samoa yellow card | ||
| Tuimaba scores a try in the second half | '8 | |
| 19 FULLTIME 12 |
Main focus at any tournament is to win every game and this does not change for Hamilton - Baber (Saturday 25/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach, Gareth Baber says their main focus when attending a tournament is to win every game and this does not change for the Hamilton tournament today.
Baber says every game is an important match for them in the Hamilton 7s as it enables them to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
He says this has not changed but in their past two tournaments they have struggled through their pools and he has been working with the players in polishing their mistakes.
He further says since this tournament will have no quarterfinals, it is vital for each player to understand and know their roles in the field, and one mistake will cost them their title. Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
Meanwhile, Baber has opted for a balance between forwards and backs to tackle the strong opponents in their pool.
Baber says utility players like Waisea Nacuqu, Livai Ikanikoda and Napolioni Ratu can play in several positions in the back-line, offering them the flexibility in their approach to each opponent.
The 12 member team that will take the field tomorrow are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Livai Ikanikoda, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.47pm today, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm today and play Argentina at 11.57am tomorrow in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm tomorrow while the final will start at 7.56pm tomorrow.
The Hamilton 7s kicks-off at 10.57am today with Ireland taking on Canada.
Playing in NZ is just like playing at home - Derenalagi (Friday 24/01/2020)
By Shanil Singh and Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s co-captain, Meli Derenalagi says playing in New Zealand is just like playing at home because of the enormous fan base.
Speaking to World Rugby, Derenalagi says he feels there will be some pressure but they will try to play their hearts out.
Derenalagi says the key to the side's success is a strong bond that the players share and always looking out for each other.
Meanwhile, Fiji Airways Mens's National 7s team coach, Gareth Baber has opted for a balance between forwards and backs to tackle the strong opponents in their pool.
Baber says utility players like Waisea Nacuqu, Livai Ikanikoda and Napolioni Ratu can play in several positions in the back-line, offering them the flexibility in their approach to each opponent.
The 12 member team that will take the field tomorrow are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Livai Ikanikoda, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57 pm tomorrow, they will take on Australia at 6.35 pm tomorrow and play Argentina at 11.57 am this Sunday in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20 pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56 pm Sunday.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or the USA in the semi-final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
Alasio Naduva named as the 13th player for the Hamilton 7s (Friday 24/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fijian speedster, Alasio Naduva has been named as the 13th player for the Hamilton 7s.
Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach, Gareth Baber has opted for a balance between forwards and backs to tackle the strong opponents in their pool.
Baber says utility players like Waisea Nacuqu, Livai Ikanikoda and Napolioni Ratu can play in several positions in the back-line, offering them the flexibility in their approach to each opponent.
The 12 member team that will take the field tomorrow are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Livai Ikanikoda, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57pm tomorrow, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm tomorrow and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
We have to be on top of our game to outplay Samoa - Baber (Friday 24/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach Gareth Baber says their first game against Samoa tomorrow will be a physical clash.
Baber says matches against Samoa has always been physical and they know they have to be on top of their game to outplay their Pacific brothers.
He says their two other matches against Australia and Argentina will test players understanding of their roles in the field and he is sure that the players are ready for the task ahead.
He expects the players to follow through the structures and game plans that they have set up.
Baber has made two changes to his team making way for Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka. Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi will share the captaincy.
Other players included are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57pm tomorrow, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm tomorrow and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
Minimising discipline issues is a key factor in turning seasons fortune around - Baber (Thursday 23/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach, Gareth Baber has highlighted that if they could minimise their discipline issues for the Hamilton tournament, it would be a key factor in turning their season’s fortune around.
According to World Rugby statistics, Fiji sits on number one spot for yellow cards with 12 cards in 10 games.
Baber says after an intensive five week training, his squad is ready to take on the world in the Hamilton 7s this weekend.
He says its about changing the habits and behavior of players which have existed for long time and they are constantly having sessions with players and also immediate fines and punishment are in place to keep them where they need to be.
Fiji will open their Hamilton 7s campaign against Samoa at 12.57pm this Saturday, then they will take on Australia at 6.35pm the same day and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
From rookie to co-captain: Derenalagi's rise in the 7s arena (Wednesday 22/01/202)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
It has been quite a rise for Meli Derenalagi as he goes from being rookie to co-captain of the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team one year after making his debut.
He won Rookie of the Year last season.
The 21-year-old co-captains the team with Jerry Tuwai as Fiji aims to win the Hamilton 7s title for the third year in a row.
Derenalagi was influential last season as Fiji won the series, as he scored 17 tries for the team.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
Coach, Gareth Baber has made two changes to his team for the 2nd leg of the HSBC 7s Series.
Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka make their return to the team. Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi will share the captaincy.
Other players included are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57pm this Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm Saturday and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
Tuwai returns as co-captain for the Fiji team as he leads the charge to win the third Hamilton 7s title (Tuesday 21/01/2020)
By Vijay Narayan and Naveel Krishant
Olympic gold medalist and former captain of the Fiji Airways National 7s Team, Jerry Tuwai returns as co-captain for the Fiji team as he leads the charge to win the third Hamilton 7s title and secure his place in the Fijian 7s team for the Tokyo Olympics in July.
Tuwai last captained Fiji in 2017 and 2018.
He was replaced in the following season by Kalione Nasoko.
Tuwai is the reigning World Rugby 7s Player of the Year.
Last season he scored 24 tries and he has scored 5 tries this year.
He has played in 50 tournaments.
Tuwai has scored 125 tries for Fiji and is the joint highest try scorer with Nasoni Roko.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
Coach, Gareth Baber has made two changes to his team for the 2nd leg of the HSBC 7s Series.
Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka make their return to the team. Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi will share the captaincy.
Other players included are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57pm this Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm Saturday and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
We will have to win all pool games to get to the cup semi finals - Baber (Tuesday 21/01/2020)
By Vijay Narayan
The Fiji Airways National 7s Men’s Team will have to win all their pool games to make it to the Cup semi finals of the Hamilton 7s Tournament this weekend.
As the team left for Hamilton today, Coach, Gareth Baber says he is disppointed with the new format however they can’t do much.
Only the winners of the pools will go to the semi finals as there will be no quarter finals in Hamilton, Sydney and Paris.
Baber says they just have to go and win all the games.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
World Rugby has decided that the quarter finals will not be part of the two day tournaments in Hamilton, Sydney and Paris as they want to incorporate both men’s and women’s competitions.
Baber has made two changes to his team for the 2nd leg of the HSBC 7s Series.
Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka make their return to the team. Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi will share the captaincy.
Other players included are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57pm this Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm Saturday and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool match. The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
Livai Ikanikoda has shown a lot of commitment in training - Baber (Monday 20/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways National Men’s 7s Coach, Gareth Baber says Livai Ikanikoda is a great player and has shown a lot of commitment in training.
Ikanikoda returns for the first time this season and is expected to bring his leadership qualities to the team.
Baber also says Asaeli Tuivuaka has improved in his game and has shown he is really up for a spot in this team.
Fiji were unstoppable at the #NZSevens in 2018 and 2019. Will they complete the three-peat in Hamilton on 25-26 of Jan? pic.twitter.com/nJTpqXIEFJ
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 19, 2020
Meanwhile, fans turned up in numbers to farewell the team at Nadi International Airport today.
Fiji’s first pool match in the Hamilton 7s is against Samoa at 12.47 pm this Saturday, we then face Australia at 6.35 pm Saturday and battle Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in our last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
I have faith in Tuwai and Derenalagi to lead the team - Baber (Saturday 18/01/2020)
By Naveel Krishant
Fiji Airways National 7s coach, Gareth Baber says he has faith in Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi to lead the team during the second leg of the HSBC 7s Series.
Tuwai and Derenalagi will share the captaincy in the absence of Paula Dranisinukula.
Baber says Tuwai is a natural leader, and Derenalagi did captain the side in the last leg.
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57 pm next Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35 pm the same day and play Argentina at 11.57 am next Sunday in their last pool match.
Baber makes two changes to his team for the 2nd leg of the HSBC 7s Series (Friday 17/01/2020)
By Naveel Krishant
Fiji Airways National 7s Coach Gareth Baber has made two changes to his team for the 2nd leg of the HSBC 7s Series.
Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka make their return to the team.
Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi will share the captaincy.
Other players included are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57 pm next Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35 pm the same day and play Argentina at 11.57 am next Sunday in their last pool match.
Players need to change mindset on knowing that some of their actions are yellow card penalties - Baber (Tuesday 14/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach, Gareth Baber says players need to change their mindset on the issue of knowing that some of their actions are yellow card penalties.
Baber is working hard to address areas which were exposed during the Dubai and Cape Town 7s last month such as their defence, discipline and ball retention.
Baber says they have been doing a lot of drills in training and making sure players are getting things right.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s first pool match in the Hamilton 7s is against Samoa at 12.57pm next Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm the same day and play Argentina at 11.57am next Sunday in their last pool match.
The cup semis will kick off at 3.20pm next Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm next Sunday.
Derenalagi fit and working hard to earn a place in the 13-men traveling squad for Hamilton and Sydney 7s - Baber (Monday 13/01/2020)
By Semi Turaga
Meli Derenalagi is fit and is working hard to earn a place in the 13-men traveling squad for the Hamilton and Sydney 7s despite reports of the player picking up an injury.
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team Coach, Gareth Baber says he is not sure where those reports of Derenalagi came from adding that Derenalagi is doing the work to be ready for Hamilton.
With Captain Paula Dranisinukula set to miss the next leg with a hand injury, Baber will have another decision to make on who will captain the side in Hamilton.
He says there are some options adding that Jerry Tuwai is a natural leader, and Derenalagi did captain the side in one of the games in the last leg.
Baber says he will make the decision closer to the tournament.
Fiji’s first pool match in the Hamilton 7s is against Samoa at 12.57pm next Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm the same day and play Argentina at 11.57am next Sunday in their last pool match.
The cup semis will kick off at 3.20pm next Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm next Sunday.
Extra hands is needed to help players understand 7s law - Baber (Friday 10/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s coach, Gareth Baber admits that they need extra hands in teaching and helping players understand the laws of 7s rugby.
Baber says currently former HSBC 7s referee, Tevita Rokovereni is working with the team during every training session to help them understand the rules and regulations of the game.
He adds they are trying to remove deliberate knock-ons from their game which is a yellow card offeBaber says that there needs to be a change of mindset in the local 7s tournaments.
According to statistics from World Rugby, Fiji received 12 yellow cards in the first two tournaments.
Players who received yellow cards in the two tournaments include captain, Paula Dranisinukula, Sevuloni Moceinacagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Meli Derenalagi, Waisea Nacuqu, Isoa Tabu, Kavekini Tabu, and Josua Vakurunabili.
Fiji is pooled with Australia, Argentina and Samoa for the Hamilton 7s that will be held on the 25th and 26th of this month.
Dranisinukula out of Hamilton 7s tournament while Tuwai managing an ankle injury (Friday 10/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Fiji Airways Men's National 7s Captain Paula Dranisinukula will not be participating in the next leg of the HSBC 7 series.
He is still recovering from an injury he sustained during the Cape Town 7s last month.
Meanwhile, Jerry Tuwai was not present in the training session yesterday at the Uprising ground in Pacific Harbour.
Coach Gareth Baber says Tuwai has an ankle injury.
Baber says the injury is not that serious and they had a scan, as a precautionary measure to make sure that their players are well taken care of.
He says they will be monitoring Tuwai's condition but he will be available for selection for the upcoming tournaments in New Zealand and Australia.
Baber adds that they will need to improve on their mistakes and play as a team to retain their Hamilton 7s title.
Fiji is pooled with Australia, Argentina and Samoa in the Hamilton 7s which will be held on the 25th and 26th of this month.
Tomorrow and Friday's training sessions will based on Hamilton 7s tournament format - Baber (Wednesday 08/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team will tomorrow and Friday have their training sessions based on the timings of their games in Hamilton 7s.
Coach Gareth Baber says with 2 games on day 1 and 3 games on day 2 and their sessions will be based around that.
He also says that they always had a plan as to how the training will look like through this block.
The Hamilton and Sydney 7s will see only the top teams from each pool qualify for the semi-finals.
Fiji is pooled with Argentina, Australia and Samoa in the Hamilton 7s which will be held on the 25th and 26th of this month.
Fiji Men's 7s team begins preparations for Hamilton and Sydney 7s (Friday 03/01/2020)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
Former Fiji 7s player, Livai Ikanikoda has been recalled in the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s training squad as preparations have begun for the upcoming HSBC World 7s Series tournaments in Hamilton and Sydney.
Some new players like Flying Fijians wing, Jiuta Waqainiqolo, Tabadamu’s Rusiate Matai and Simione Kuruvoli of Police were also part of the training session.
Senior players such as Jerry Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Waisea Nacuqu, Filimoni Botitu and Meli Derenalagi were also present in the training session.
Fiji is pooled with Argentina, Australia and Samoa in the Hamilton 7s which will be held on the 25th and 26th of this month.
The Sydney 7s will be held on the 1st and 2nd of February.
Teams need to be vigilant and put an extra effort to qualify from the pools at the Hamilton 7s - Baber (Tuesday 31/12/2019)
By Shanil Singh
With the change in format in the next leg of the HSBC 7s Series, Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team Coach Gareth Baber says all teams will need to be vigilant and put an extra effort if they are to qualify from the pools at the Hamilton 7s next month.
The new format will see only the group winners qualifying for the knockout stages.
Baber says it is a new format and they know that they need to win the group to get through to the semi-final.
He adds they are in a tough pool and they need to deliver better and remain focused to what they need to achieve after each game.
The Hamilton 7’s will be played on the 25th and 26th of next month and Fiji is pooled with Argentina, Australia, and Samoa.
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