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 TEIVOVO.COM - INTERNATIONAL 7s
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Tuesday 9 January 2007
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Cross codes... Digicel Fiji 7s players (blue) team up with Fiji Bati players after the match
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Fiji 7s teach Bati quick lesson
By William Tabuya
The Digicel 7s side gave a quick lesson or two to their rugby league counterparts, the Fiji Bati, when they went head-to-head at the Suva Grammar grounds on Tuesday.
Used as a friendly match, the 350-odd crowd that turned up feasted on both first class rugby 7s and rugby league. The friendly encounter was played in four quarters; the first two of which were played using 7s rules while the third and fourth followed rugby league laws.
The Fiji 7s side, after a gruelling encounter, managed eight tries while the Bati only crossed the try line twice.
While the Digicel Fiji 7s prepare for the Wellington and San Diego tournaments, the Fiji Bati are gearing up for the Orara Valley 7s in Australia. The Bati reached the final last year but lost to Lebanon, which featured Sydney-based players from Australia’s premier rugby league competition NRL.
The Bati took a while to adjust to the rules of the game so the 7s boys took full advantage.
New Zealand-based Simione Saranavanua, who looks and plays like Sireli Naqelevuki, showed good strength with his strong left fend-off and powerful strides to open the scoring.
In the fifth minute, Emosi Vucago felt the full brunt of the Bati players as he limped off the field, only to later return. Waisale Serevi came on the field and guided his side to the scoring spree.
Nadroga loosemen Mosese Volavola, Etonia Naba and Nadi flanker Amenasi Nava stood out for the Fiji 7s side, with powerful runs and good offloads.
Under 19 reps to last year's IRB Rugby World Championships Tomasi Mawi and Sakenasa Aca also put on a good show. Mawi set up a few tries while Aca stood firm in defence.
Nasoni Roko was his usual defensive self and Yasawa’s Watekini Vunisa offered more speed.
Digicel Fiji 7s official Jo Savou felt that the 7s boys displayed good defensive skills that will set them on course for the second leg of the IRB World 7s Series.
“The boys played really well today and the way they defended looked good for the Fiji side,” Savou said. “We are glad that the Fiji Bati gave us this opportunity because it allowed us to spot the weaknesses, especially in defence.”
Fiji Bati manager Rusi Ratakele echoed Savou’s sentiments: “We are thankful to the FRU officials for allowing us to test our defence against the world champions in 7s who played really well. I was impressed.”
When asked on who he thought would be a good player to switch codes from Serevi’s men.
“Raymond Rodan initially played rugby league in Nadi and he is a good player,” Ratakele said. “Also Nasoni Roko played well today.”
The Digicel Fiji 7s side are camping at the Peninsula Hotel and will be naming the final 12 that will defend the Wellington 7s on 2-3 February before heading to the San Diego tournament a week later.
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