New players bring stiff competition into the team – Veilawa

The inclusion of new players in the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s extended squad that is preparing for the upcoming HSBC Vancouver 7s has provided a stiff competition within the team as coach Osea Kolinisau is looking to name his final 13 member squad in the next couple of weeks.

Playmaker Terio Veilawa has rated new comer Mosese Naura highly saying that he is providing a good competition for the backline players.

Veilawa says it is always good to have competitions within the team as it brings out the best in every player knowing their place in the final team is not guaranteed.

Coach Osea Kolinisau also rated Naura highly saying that he is one player who is raw in terms of speed.

Naura caught the attention of Kolinisau after he outpaced Fijian Drua speedster Taniela Rakuro during the recent McDonald's Fiji Coral Coast 7s last month.

Kolinisau adds that the new players are putting their hands up and showing their worth and what impact they can have in the team.

The Vancouver 7s will be held from the 22nd to the 24th of this month.

Fiji will take on Uruguay at 7.18am on Saturday 22nd February in their first pool match of the Vancouver 7s, they will then take on the USA at 12.45pm on the same day, before playing Spain at 6.52am on Sunday 23rd February in their last pool match.

The men’s cup quarter final will kick off at 12.51pm Sunday 23rd February, the cup semi finals will begin at 8.30am Monday 24th February, and the Cup Final will kick off at 1.05pm.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s will take on Japan at 10am on 22nd February in their first pool match, they will then play France at 3.52pm on the same day, before playing Great Britain at 9.18am on Sunday 23rd February in their last pool match.

The women’s cup quarter finals will kick off at 3.32pm on Sunday 23rd February, the semi finals will begin at 9.14am on Monday 24th February, and the cup final will kick off at 1.41pm.