Three new faces for Fiji Sevens
Fiji Sevens coach Josateki Savou's side for next month's Wellington and San Diego tournaments in the IRB World Sevens Series will feature three new faces.
Tailevu speedster Malakai Bakaniceva and Nadi pair Taniela Rawaqa and Isei Lewaqai will all be making their debuts for the Fiji Sevens side when the Islanders kick off their Wellington campaign.
Savou brought the trio into the team after watching some sizzling action at the National Sevens on Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Rawaqa played Test rugby in 2007 for the Flying Fijians and was a non-travelling reserve for the Dubai and George Sevens last month. Lewaqai had initially been selected for the Dubai squad but contracted chicken pox and had to withdraw.
The only player from the December squad that wasn't considered was Vereniki Goneva, who has picked up a professional contract to play in the 15-man game overseas.
Fiji Sevens squad for Wellington and San Diego:
Forwards: Etonia Naba (captain, Nadroga), Isei Lewaqai (Nadi), Viliame Maya (Suva), Iliesa Ratuva (Nadroga), Epeli Vuniwaqa (Tavua)
Backs: Neumi Nanuku (vice captain, Nadroga), Malakai Bakaniceva (Tailevu), Setefano Cakau (Suva), Tomasi Mawi (Suva), Akuila Nawerecagi (Suva), Taniela Rawaqa (Nadi), Emosi Vucago (Nadroga)
Non-travelling replacements: Sakenaca Aca (Tailevu), Rupeni Nasiga (Nadroga), Saimoni Nuku (Nadi).
After Saturday's National Sevens, the Fiji Sevens selectors also named 15 players that will later join the above squad in preparing for the Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the IRB World Sevens Series in March and April respectively.
Extended Fiji Sevens squad: Ovini Burekalou (Tavua), Gabriel Daunivucu (Suva), Isake Katonibau (Northland), Timoci Matanavou (Ra), Taniela Naiceru (Yasawa), Timoci Naqusa (Tailevu), Ratunaisa Narukutabua (Nadroga), Napolioni Naulia (Suva), Iliavi Satala (Suva), Alfred Smith (Lautoka), Mesulame Soga (Tavua), Pio Tuwai (Ba), Mosese Vatunitu (Rewa), Epeli Vuicuvu (Nadroga), Marika Vunibaka (Suva).
In addition, three overseas-based players were selected as part of the enlarged squad, while three players from Vanua Levu who were unable to play in the National Sevens have been included for development purposes
Overseas-based players: William Ryder (Toyota, Japan), Semisi Naevo (NEC, Japan), Nasoni Roko (Hino, Japan).
Development players: Rafaele Suvianavanua (Cakaudrove East), Aleposo Bueta (Cakaudrove East), Lepani Tukavesi (Cakaudrove East)
"The National Sevens threw up some great talent for all of us to see," coach Jo Savou said.
"With regards to the enlarged training squad for Hong Kong, we have tried to cast our net as far as possible and bring in the players that have shown outstanding potential.
"I also attended the Kanakana Sevens in Vanua Levu on Thursday and Friday and have asked the three players from Cakaudrove East to join us."
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