Three new players to make series debut for Fiji 7s, Nacuqu out

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s head coach Ben Gollings has named his side for the opening two tournaments of the 2023-2024 HSBC SVNS Series in Dubai and Cape Town with three new players expected to make their series debut next weekend.

Gollings has named Ilikimi Vunaki, Netava Koroisau and Rubeni Kabu as the new players in the squad with the surprise exclusion of veteran playmaker Waisea Nacuqu.

Despite the exclusion of Nacuqu, the Fijians still have a lot of firepower in the backline with nippy halfback Terio Tamani included along with Olympics gold medalist Kaminieli Rasaku who will also make his return to the world 7s series after a stint in France.

Lanky forward Joseva Talacolo or utility player Sevuloni Mocenacagi are expected to lead the team.

The squad:

Josese Batirerega, Ilikimi Vunaki, Kaminieli Rasaku, Jeremaia Matana, Ratu Filipe Sauturaga, Netava Koroisau, Rubeni Kabu, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, Joseva Talacolo, Ratu Manueli Maisamoa, Pilipo Bukayaro and Terio Veilawa.

Fiji is in pool C alongside the USA, France and Great Britain. Fiji will take on the USA at 6.06pm Saturday, they will then play France at 9.52pm Saturday before playing Great Britain at 4am Sunday in their final pool match. The cup quarter finals will begin at 6.58pm Sunday, the cup semi finals will kick off at 10.04pm Sunday and the final will be at 3.53am Monday.