NEW Digicel Fiji sevens assistant coach Timoci Wainiqolo is adapting well with the national side.
Speaking at a press conference at the Fiji Rugby Union house in Suva yesterday, the former 7s star thanked the Fiji 7s squad members and head coach Alivereti Dere for helping him settle well in his new role.
Wainiqolo said while the task to maintain the Gold Coast 7s title would be a tough one, he would do everything under his capacity to guide the team through to victory.
Wainiqolo is tasked to lead the team to the opening leg of the 2012/13 IRB Sevens World Series in Australia as Dere is still under travel sanctions.
Dere said being pooled alongside Australia, Scotland and Tonga at the Gold Coast 7s, the team had no time for laxity in the remaining days leading up to the tournament.
"It has been good so far with the boys and everything has been going well. We are getting together well and I'm looking forward to working with the team in the upcoming series," Wainiqolo said.
"It (defending the Gold Coast 7s title) will be tough but we know the players will go and do the job for Fiji. We are looking forward to bringing the victory back."
Wainiqolo was a member of the Fiji team that won the prestigious Hong Kong 7s for three consecutive years from 1990-92 and also played five Tests. He gained prominence as a coach with the Wardens team guiding them to victories in the top domestic 7s tournaments.
24-member squad - Setefano Cakau, Levani Botia, Sailosi Raboniqica, Apisai Domolailai, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Timoci Vakadranu, Samuela Saqiwa, Peni Ravai, Joji Raqamate, Ilai Tinai, Osea Kolinisau, Niko Verekauta, Leone Taburua, Samisoni Viriviri, Alipate Ratini, Apisalome Waqatabu, Manueli Laqai, Ledua Ratumuri, Mosese Varamusu, Josua Tuiova, Taniela Rawaqa, Donasio Ratubuli, L. Mau, Aisea Druma.