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 TEIVOVO.COM – INTERNATIONAL 7s
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Tuesday 23 January 2007
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All-rounder... Naevo trains with the Digicel Fiji 7s side at the Nasova grounds
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Man Mountain returns
By William Tabuya
Japan-based Semisi Naevo is set to make a timely return for the Digicel Fiji 7s side when he features at the Wellington 7s on 2-3 February and in San Diego a week later.
The former Nadi lock had his first training run with the Fiji team at the Nasova grounds on Monday.
According to team trainer, Epeli Lagiloa, Naevo's presence makes a big difference.
“Naevo brings with him the know-how of being a forward in the abbreviated code,” Lagiloa said. “He fits in well and we will be looking to him to lead the forwards in Wellington.”
Team manager Optaia Ravai echoed Lagiloa’s thoughts: “Naevo is an asset to any team."
Naevo missed the Dubai and George 7s as he was serving a ban for misconduct when in Japan with the FMF Flyng Fijians last August.
His aerial battles, support play and strong defence were sorely missed by the Digicel Fiji 7s team at the first leg of the 2006-07 IRB World 7s Series.
Naevo was a member of the 2005 Rugby World Cup 7s winning side and skippered Fiji to their first IRB World 7s Series title last year.
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Nasoni Roko prepares to run into Naevo and Mosese Volavola during training
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Former FMF Flying Fijians coach Wayne Pivac noticed Naevo’s ball hunting skills and gave him his Test debut against Samoa in June 2006.
Naevo played at the side of the scrum and caused the Samoans all sorts of problems.
Meanwhile, the victorious South Sea Drifters returned from the Darwin 7s on Monday, and Waisale Serevi will name his 12-member squad to Wellington on Thursday.
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