FIJI 7s Olympics Games gold medallist Jasa Veremalua is confident the Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team has a good chance of winning the Singapore 7s this weekend.
He said the inspiring factor that would make the players to work extra hard was the chance to topple South Africa from top of the points table. Fiji, with three tournament wins, has 123 points while South Africa has 126 points. Veremalua said the side had the potential and the material to deliver the goods for the nation.
“This is our good chance to take the lead in the World Rugby Sevens Series points and I am confident the boys can win this weekend,” he said. “We have a very good mix and I believe the boys are also aware of the huge task ahead of them. “We need to win in Singapore to set the platform for the remaining London and France 7s.”
He said the inclusion of warhorse Isake Katonibau would boost the team.
“To have a player of Katonibau’s calibre will be a huge motivating factor for the rest of the players. “He leads by example and will provide the necessary support for skipper Jerry (Tuwai) on and off the field. “His presence will definitely inspire the boys to come out of their comfort zone in their quest to win our first Singapore 7s.”
Veremalua, who has played at the tournament for the past two years, said the games would be tough.
“Only Kenya and Canada have won in Singapore, so this year all teams will try hard to engrave their name on the title. It is going to be a stiff competition for the boys and I wish them all the best.”
He urged the people of Fiji to support the team through their prayers as they embarked on the Singapore mission.
Meanwhile, Baber told the media in Singapore that Vatemo Ravouvou has been ruled out because of sickness. This allows Tabadamu playmaker Teri Tamani to make his debut this weekend. Fiji’s opening game against Japan start today at 5.36pm and then faces Russia at 9.02pm. The side will play its final pool match against Spain at 12.28am tomorrow.
