ILIESA Tanivula's men led by twinkle-toed assassin William Ryder are top seeds to take out this weekend's 2009 Carlton Sri Lanka Rugby Sevens tournament that kicks off today (Fiji time).
The tournament will be played at Sugathadasa Stadium and is organised by the Tharunyata Hetak Organisation in collaboration with the Interim Committee of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union.
Besides the dynamic Ryder, the Fijians will have the services of Pio Tuwai, Jerry Burotu, Setefano Cakau, Lepani Nabuliwaqa and Osea Kolinisau all of whom played a key role in helping Fiji maintain its supremacy in sevens rugby by clinching the Hong Kong Sevens title for a record 10th time in March.
Coach Iliesa Tanivula said that the Fijians were in peak form, having played in several build-up tournaments before coming to Sri Lanka.
Tanivula said he was confident of bagging the International Sevens title at the Carlton-Sri Lanka tournament.
Fiji will play the likes of New Zealand Legends, Australian Legends, South African Vipers, Western Samoa Barbarians and the Waisale Serevi coached Papua New Guinea side.
Tanivula yesterday told Daily Mirror that this is Fiji's chance of success.
"Every team begins with the same chance of succeeding, it's a matter of taking opportunities and performing on the day and ultimately who wants it the most," he said.
Tanivula also prasied the rapid rise of Sri Lanka on the 7s paddock.
Team manager Alifereti Malo said they players adapting well to the humid climate in Sri Lanka.
"We're settling down at the moment. The boys are adapting well and there are no injuries to any player."
Malo added that this is where Tanivula will test his combination. The Digicel Fiji side plays Australian Legends in their first game tomorrow.
