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 TEIVOVO.COM – IRB WORLD 7s SERIES
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Tuesday 19 December 2006
Fiji must win in Wellington
By William Tabuya
The Digicel Fiji 7s team will be looking to make amends and return to winning form when the Wellington 7s kicks off on 2 February.
The Waisale Serevi led side lie in joint-third place with England in the IRB 7s standings, 12 points behind South Africa and New Zealand.
Two rather disappointing performances from the world champions in as many outings has allowed New Zealand and South Africa to snatch an early lead.
Long-time nemesis New Zealand shocked Fiji with a 17-12 semi-final win in the rain at the Dubai 7s. A week later, Gordon Tietjens' young side bundled Fiji out 29-12 at the same stage of the George 7s. The Kiwi's increased their tempo to turn the tables on Stefan Basson’s men 24-19 in the final.
Fiji sorely felt the absence of the towering Semisi Naevo, solid Dale Tonawai, and swift Filimone Bolavucu.
Aggression at the re-starts was Fiji’s main weapon last year when they reached seven of the eight finals, winning four. And possession was rarely given away.
Digicel 7s team captain Mosese Volavola has not shown much signs of the rugged looseman that helped Nadroga claim both the Sanyo Cup and Farebrother this year. Sireli Naqelevuki was his usually slippery self and his razor-sharp sidesteps will be sorely missed in Wellington. Setefano Cakau's support play and defence looks positvie for Fiji and more could be expected of him, while towering Senirusi Rauqe and Nadi flanker Amenasi Nava have both had a quiet outing so far.
Evergreen Serevi's option to start on the field in George indicates the maestro is still tyring to work out the best possible line-up.
Nippy Red Rock wing Lepani Nabuliwaqa can do better and many are looking forward to seeing more of his Tomasi Cama 'gallop', while William Ryder is not yet in striking mode. And much has not yet been seen of Epeli Dranivasa and Neumi Nanuku.
Young Nadroga wing Napolioni Nalaga looked promising at the start of the leg and he will need more time until we can expect more from the former U18 Hotbread. He could do more justice in the forwards, given his mass and strength.
FRU official Aporosa Tuqovu said Fiji will need to bring back Japan-based lock Semisi Naevo.
“Naevo played his heart out and he won the kick-offs when it was needed the most," Tuqovu said. "His ban ends on 31 December and it would be great to have him back. His aerial battles were a key factor for Fiji last season.”
However, with six more tournaments to go, Fiji will have to dig a little deeper.
Western Province centre Sireli Naqelevuki heads off to join the Sharks for the Super 14 season while soldier Timoci Volavola will not be able to travel to Wellington because of the sanctions imposed by the New Zealand Government.
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