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Fiji Time: 6:52 AM on Thursday 20 June

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Weekend of sports

Fred Wesley
Saturday, May 05, 2012

This weekend promises to be one jam-packed with sporting events.

We have a full round of the Fiji Rugby Union's Digicel Cup competition around the country and the first round of the Fiji Football Association Cup Tournament (FACT) happening as well.

In overseas sports, soccer fans in the country will be looking forward to watching the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.

Rugby fans are also in for some exciting matches in another round of Super Rugby.

However, there is no doubt about the fact that focus will shift firmly onto Fiji's campaign in the final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Scotland this weekend. We head into this weekend's tournament with our best chance of wrapping up the series.

The only time Fiji won the IRB circuit was during the 2005-2006 series.

This weekend we head in on a high, sitting a few points behind leaders New Zealand.

However, after a number of seasons in the wilderness, we have a very good opportunity to take out this year's series. To do that, Alifereti Dere's men will have to win this weekend's Scotland 7s and back that up with victory next weekend at the England 7s, and at the same time, hope Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand falter along the way.

What is important to note though is the fact that we finally have an opportunity to make a difference.

Our recent form in Hong Kong was indicative of the potential we have in our team. Brimming with young rookies, Fiji rocked the Happy Valley only to be uprooted the very next weekend in Japan.

Fans will be hoping for a revamped effort this weekend and will be banking on our players to shrug off the "one-tournament win" tag we have attracted.

The national side needs our support and should head into the opening round of games this evening with confidence that they have it.

Attention will focus on youngster Joji Ragamate.

The exciting halfback finally gets his first big chance with fame today in the absence of Nikola Matawalu.

Today, he will be carrying the hopes and aspirations of Fiji fans around the world, with most still coming to terms with the unavailability of experienced Emosi Vucago and Matawalu.

But as is life, when one door closes, another opens.

Ragamate has the opportunity to live his dreams today.

We hope the many sporting events around the country and overseas will bring our people together.

Whatever your take is on sports, and whichever team you will be cheering for, we hope you have a wonderful weekend.